Long Distance Off market deals

[Michael Hoffman]

Just sent out a direct mail campaign to a midwestern market that I intend to invest in from distance. 

Is anyone familiar with reliable strategies to gather information to analyze these off-market deals? I am mostly interested in Rehab deals to BRRRR.

I know the seller themselves could provide information but I am concerned that motivated sellers will deliberately leave out the bad details of the property. Could an agent potentially gather reliable information on the property if I would offer them some commission on the sale in exchange for some assistance with the due diligence? 

Any information from investors that have invested in off-market deals from a distance would be greatly appreciated