For the average contractor though towing around his enclosed trailer of tools and if they are not doing more than about 100 miles or a little more a day  that would work..

Have used the Rental Property tool for many different multifamily homes and have been coming up with negative cash flows. 

It sounds like you need more tools/systems/knowledge before you put yourself out there as a cash buyer.

Realtors are potential tools to get what you are after.

The way I look at it, if the broker is knowledgeable, ethical and provides all the tools I need, I can focus on the handful of things that drive business (which is the best use of my time). 

You see expert and seasoned REI, hitting me up for advise on SEO and organic lead gen... 

Under 'tools' above.

I've done a few wholesale deals, and I'm looking for insight on what tools folks are using to generate lists for potential motivated sellers.Thanks!

Yup SEO!!

I'm still learning all of the possibilities of it, but I know it can be a hell of a tool to fix up a home to build equity and then move to a new home to do it again.