How do purchase an abandoned property? Also, how can you purchase an abandoned/closed down school? Is there a website that gives you a listing? Looking in maryland/washington dc area.

You need to find out who owns the property, if it was abandoned by the owner than the bank owns it and you will need to buy it from them

First there is no real such thing as an abandoned property, they are not used, or empty but in general all are owned by someone. They may be a issue of owner not affording, owner dying, or unpaid taxes or owner losing home for debts.

So you go to the recorder of deed ( or similar ofice in your area) and see who owns it, and if there is a mortgage on the paroperty. From there you make a offer on the owners and see what happens.

As for as old schools, they are owned by the school board and you would have to deal with their first board to make offers.