Try neighborhood scout, Marcus and millicap under research, IRR Viewpoint report, and city data (you can zoom in to very specific locations).

I've listened to a few dozen BP podcasts, read a few books, and have been scouting my area for potential deals.

If you need an agent here in Kc to do some scouting of properties and running numbers I'd be glad to assist.

While visiting the inlaws I was able to scout multiple properties and the plan was for us to buy something while I was in town and have my wife stay in town for 2 months to manage the rehabs.

Should I be scouting forclosure sales on the courthouse steps?

Flips are harder to find nowadays because in the last couple years so many wealthy investors from LA, SD, and SF areas have been scouting Bakersfield daily for flip deals.  

If you can take the time to go to the area to scout it also good investment in time, cash, and your future.  

Thanks for all of the responses everyone, I am scouting for all of my local meetings and I am searching the forums like a dog.

I've recently started scouted lots in these areas and have been blown away at what the homes are selling at.

Is the 50% rule really plausible in scouting out deals?