market data

[Mark Moore]

I am new to BP and am starting my own real estate development business while I continue my full time architecture job (corporate, mostly retail; not residential).  I worked as land manager for one of the largest home builders for three years just prior to the crash, but was only responsible for property due diligence, and construction of roads, utilities, and site work for large projects; not individual single family home rehabs or individual / small scale new home communities.  I have also managed building construction of a 100 unit apartment building.  What I plan to do now is start with flips, later mix in some single lot new homes and eventually develop multi-lot properties.  I would like to concentrate near where I've lived and worked for the last 15+ years - Southern Monmouth and Northern Ocean Counties in New Jersey providing the market is reasonable.  It appears to be so far, but I need more info.  Hence this post.

I could use some advice on where to find good data on the present market conditions, particularly recent sale information on single family homes in my area with a description of the product. Zillow doesn't seem trustworthy at it misses streets and reports foreclosure information inconsistent with what I find on county records. I realize county records are probably most accurate, but they take a long time to sift through. Can I get info from MLS if I'm not a broker or agent? Other option is consulting an agent or broker, but am concerned about committing to paying commissions that he market may not bear. Looking forward to suggestions from the BP community. Thanks in advance.