I am currently taking a course in real estate investing at a local college in my area, and one of the projects we are working on are distressed properties or abandoned properties. These properties are not listed with hud, but for some reason they have been abandoned by their owners.
I don't have time to drive around different neighborhoods, because I have to work. Are there any websites that have abandoned property listings in my area or services available who can do this for me for a fee?

sure there are but they are outdated,there is no such thing as lazy real estate investing you have to put the time and work in.In your situation i would get a re investment agent to show you or print out and give to you these properties.The buyers agent is free to you and the reo banks,hud,short sales,etc. all pay the buyers agent.It always amazes me why investors go looking for properties themselves when they could use the free services of an agent.I understand of they need to list the property and can't pay a comission because of there already low net when you sell an investment property,but the buyers agent is free so work smarter-not harder.

Their is a book written about this strategy...I can get back to you with the authors name.

Please do