I’ve been using various city and county websites to look at current ownership, but know that there are better tools out there.

Excel is the best tool to use.

It is easy to remotely manage with the tools vrbo and airbnb provide.

Most contractors I know in this area are sitting on less than $10k in personal assets total (except their tools, haha), so the liklihood of them being able to actually pay instead of "going bankrupt" is questionable.So, from a few years down this road speaking back what I would encourage you to do is:  Figure out the process to "make it right" with the city, ask the contractor to pay for that (pay you back ideally, since they couldn't be trusted to do it right the first time), and then kick them to the curb. 

Analyze properties in the meantime so that when you're ready you have the tools to act fast and get a deal under contract. 

This is a great forum with very knowledgeable members that will help to guide you in the right direction.The site has quite a few tools that can be helpful for new members.

One of the key points in Chris Voss's "Never Split the Difference" book is that fear of losing something is far more powerful of a negotiating tool. 

., if you are using the MLS or the tools/systems provided by your Broker's office, yes, pay them.  

Which tool should I use to analyze a fixer property that I would like to live in for a year or two, then rent or sell?

Thank you for all the helpful tools and especially the friendly community!