To find his way inside, Marcus had to navigate three distinct gates. Phase 1: The Paper Trail

For government-owned foreclosures (like HUD homes), Marcus found he must use a broker registered with the government to even place a bid. Phase 3: The Source of the Deed

He visited the local courthouse to find the Notice of Sale .

Marcus stood on the sidewalk, staring at the overgrown lawn of the craftsman-style house on Elm Street. A "Foreclosure" notice was taped to the front door, curling at the edges. He had the savings, but he didn't have a clue who actually owned the dirt beneath his boots.