Look at online reviews.  

For a new lease, I will need to create a state-specific one through some online entity. 

MLS will give you some, but you can look online to the City's website for the City owned real estate they have for sale, but those tend be up to highest bid.I wish there was a catch-all answer to this question, but there really isn't, because it depends on several factors - like what's your price range, what are you looking to do with the property?

If you do bid online, the sale will still be subject to short sale approval.

In Philly, you can find out just about anything about a property / zoning / permits online.

If you're not familiar with the area, I recommend driving around and doing some in depth research online about the location of the property.

Don't compare yourself to others, particularly the self-proclaimed geniuses online.

I would caution working with any lender that does not have some sort of licensing, reviews, and presence online.

My wife read online that if you use 1031 to purchase an investment property in NYC that as far as houses are concerned, you can only purchase a multi family house and not a single family house or houses.

see link http://www.dupageco.org/Recorder/3392/You can search personally or online.