Is BP even the best place to find reach out to hosts needing help, or is there another platform/site? 

This kind of garbage tactic can be learned on other platforms.

Answer - There are a multitude of platforms (BP included) that has active cash buyers looking for deals every day all day. 

Here's a relevant post from another investor on this platform https://www.biggerpockets.com/....

Are there any recommendations out there for which platform or skip trace provider has the best data?

Any chance you do it on just Facebook, or other social media platforms as well? 

The second branch of the site will be a platform to create a personal web page that will hold all of the agent's social media link (kind of like linktree).

However, that does not mean that buyers brokers will not get a commission, it will change how things are done and will still be able to be negotiated outside of the listing platform.

Technology & Resources: What tools and tech platforms are available to streamline your work and enhance client service?

As noted by Ben, I highly advise that you target single-family homes with in-law suites or additional living space that can be converted into a separate unit and sourced as an STR via Airbnb or on another short-term rental platform.