Offer referral fees.The good old fashion newspaper can bring both leads as well as buyers.Thanks to Namon also for compiling the list.Robin

Would it be wise to get an attorney to compile one for me?

Additionally, I am now compiling a spreadsheet of permits needed and the costs so that they are readily available to me in the future - part of my trust but verify approach.

We use CoStar to analyze the type of property an investor wants to buy and work on the financing piece before offers are submitted.  2-4 units can be found in the tax records and then compiled into a data base, however when these units become available, they are generally sold off market and not listed on the Residential MLS.  

Hi Everyone, So I went out driving for dollars last week and compiled a nice list of distressed properties.

I have compiled a list of Pro's and Con's and Personal Experiences to help people find an answer to this important question.I have been a real Estate Investor for about 8 years doing all types of investing but mainly Buy and Hold and Fix and Flips.

Exercise your options:1) buyers list2) hard money lenders3) private money lenders4) banks, etc.No list you compile has limits.

I will review periodically re-compile the list. 

@Jay H. and @Damon DiPlacidoThanks for your feedback and I definitely agree with both of you.I have also been experimenting with using offshore freelancers to compile email list for me which has been working quite well and have helped me target specific tenant types I am looking for.

It also provides basic pricing ranges and discusses the different factors that influence pricing.Next, I would compile a list of these common repairs into a spreadsheet to help you get organizedOnce you've got your spreadsheet compiled make some trips to Home Depot or Lowes to get a feel for how much materials costs for flooring, tubs, toilets, lighting, etc.As Jim suggested there are good resources for Labor costs such as RS Means, but the best and most accurate source for labor costs is to contact local contractors.