Hey Trevor -Most of the REOs are going to come from the large banks (even if small banks underwrite the loans, the loans often get sold to the big players), so going around to your local banks isn't going to yield you the bulk of the REO properties in your area.The nice thing is that all the REOs from the big banks are listed right on the MLS, so if you can find an agent to work with you, you can get access to all the REOs very easily.As for finding an agent, start with other investors in your area.

If you are in a known "area" where they want to explore there is no need to find the players - they will find you.

Sorry, I've seen lots of horror stories up close and presently, with fractured condo projects, and over supply, I'm just not a player for them.

Most of the major players go to several counties or have reps at other counties. - Im not sure about Kenutcky, but, in some states, the larger counties/cities have auctions more frequently.- Join your local REIA to find players- (Last option) Get a copy of the bidder list from the last auction and try contacting these people directly.What do you mean by macro-economic and demographic criteria - being the property type, locations ,details (zoning etc)?

Suggest reviewing the books with the agent or sit down with the owner at the office, if they know you are a player they should be more open to your due diligence.Good luck......

And who knows, this might be an 'engineered' deal or a 'shady player' deal. 

Which includes marketing and an acquisition manager and resell manager you need those two employees to be a bigger player in wholesaling at least from what I have seen.

@David Dachtera A lot of people, the big players, do get commissions every day and make excellent money or more than in real estate.  

This was a very early filing, the case has progressed since what is written below, but it is a good summary of the players.  

And this only happens by you either 1) finding owners yourself that are willing to sell off-market or 2) networking with other real estate players in your area that are finding owners willing to sell off-market