I'm from Arlington next door, I would first look at multi family in good public school districts where families want to rent and bring up kids, look at www.greatschools.orgLook at multi FHA financing where you live in one, rent out othersGet an agent, working for buyers, look for a CCIM designationRead everything from Www.justaskBen.comGood luck!

In return, they are often happy to give or sell information that is basically public record (that is, the name, address, and demographic of a given property owner and details of that property), but they have the easiest access to.I recommend calling a local title company, explain that you are interested in making a mailing list, but are unsure where to start.

One idea you have not defined, which you don't have to share publicly, is your desired return target.  

As far as pre-foreclosure, its all public information.

For those of you who care about the broad economic outlook in your investment areas, here's the recent economics report from this month. http://www.jec.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/b2fb1607-cbaa-4d20-871f-c58170cbf5c0/jec-state-economic-snapshots-september-2016.pdfIf that link doesn't go through, google for 'senate state economic snapshot September 2016' and you'll probably find it.

If you wait to bash me publicly on here, that doesn't help much of anything.

I've tried looking through public records on my county's website before (to look for liens etc.) but it is hard to find anything, especially when the seller is an entity that owns a lot of properties like banks and HUD.

I actually purchased my first home before the age of 30 in CA, and invested in several REIT companies (some I worked for previously as VP) including American Homes 4 Rent, Public Storage, and a few others including retail property portfolios. 

I would avoid the City of Detroit as many banks will not finance homes due to the lack of reliable public and utility services. 

I am joining BiggerPockets to obtain and further enhance my knowledge regarding Real Estate practices as well as meeting new faces that I can hope to provide assistance of my own as well as gain knowledge from them and their experiences.My expertise includes being involved in Public Relations and having worked in the Public Sector for many years.