Im Sick Of Tenants! Pre-froclosure? Short- Sale?

I own 5 rental properties but would like to get into a different aspect of RE investing preferibly one that doesnt involve tenants. ... SS / Pre- forclosures sound great but there are 2 points I would like to ask you, the very inteligent members of TCI about.

1. How does one know if home owner X is at least 90 days behind on their mortgage?

2. And if I do know home owner X is behind on their mortgage what do I do? Call them up like a common telemarketer and start asking them about the house their about to lose?
Because I would have a hard time with that.

Thanks!
marc