Found my old BLAW notes, thought this may be of help.

d. Adverse Possession
i. Ability to obtain ownership or easement at no cost
ii. Must have the following five factors
1. Possession must be hostile and under claim of right
2. Must be actual
3. Open and notorious
4. Must be continuous
5. Must be exclusive

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the bootstrap economist

In a lot of cases an owner can't be found. They move off, die elsewhere and it is unclear who the heir is.

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"Things are starting to get interesting right about now"

All comments made by me on his board are given freely and probably worth what you paid for them.