ARV Question: Closer but 5+ year sold comps vs Further but 1+ year sold comps?

[Jei Mercado]

New investor here trying to see what everyones experience has been like. I often run into situations where I can't see nearby comps for a deal i'm working on that are within a 0-3 year window of being sold. Would an appraiser consider a similar property that was sold awhile back or something that is further but within a more recent time? 

Would yall also have any recommended free and paid services to get nearby comps easily? I'm using a combination of MLS comps provided by realtor, redfin, and backflip analysis tool.
 

Thanks in advance for your input!