Exactly what tools do people use to buy cheap/distressed homes to renovate/flip?

[Jeremy Hale]

I've been interested in renovating/flipping homes for a while, but I don't really understand how people are finding these hot buys. I check various real estate sites routinely but nothing ever seems to jump out to me, and if a deal is look-warm, it seems to sell.

I'm in the Minnesota area, ideally around Rochester, but perhaps Minneapolis. Any advice?

Thanks