What is the best way to go about finding these property listings online before they go to the auctions?

Spend at least 2 hours per day researching online about your desired investment strategies.

But damned if I can find anything online about landlords using it!

My recommendation would be to get approved as a Landlord, contact the director's office and request that an inspection be completed before a tenant is selected (sometimes they will do this as long as you select a tenant within 14 days - which you want anyways), and have an online application and screening resource in place.  

Documenting your journey online or engaging on LinkedIn can also help expand your network.

Quote from @Zach Howard: Quote from @Jonathan Greene: If you are looking at properties in the US only on Zillow, and not seeing them in person (I know you are in Hong Kong), this is just an effort in futility because you can't underwrite single-family or small multifamily deals only online.

Online metrics can be good, but they wont paint the whole picture. 

Then you'll need to find land, acquire it, find a spec home buyer and set up meetings to design plans or buy a set online with mods.

I just stumbled upon it online and I’m trying to research it myself. 

Thanks so much for posting all this info I had been looking at Apke Land or Land Investing Online, while they give lots of free information if you really want in depth or access to their letters you have to buy their course.