Obtaining, Scraping, Analyzing MLS Feed

[Tyler Barnes]

Has anyone attempted to automate some of the MLS review process through obtaining an MLS feed from your local area (or even national) then scraping the data into Excel for quick analysis?

I have a couple of questions: 

1. How do most people get MLS feeds? Do you have your REA set parameters for you? Do you just ignore the MLS all together if your established?

2. Has anyone been able to obtain a national MLS feed? Is this even possible?

3. Anyone scraping data as mentioned above? 

I had an agent for my first deal (2 duplexes) who has since left the company. I still have his MLS feed, but I want to expand my data pool and haven't gotten a new agent. Looking to get a second investment in the near future so want to try this strategy. Day job is in technical marketing (SEO) so scraping data is quite simple for me. I've figured out how to automate, just need the data now!