Alexander, the free way is to figure out which newspapers publish the legal notices for probates in your area of interest and then mine that data on a regular basis.

Dan, DC probably has a financial newspaper where the loans in the process of foreclosure are advertised by the County.

The 2% are going to be achieved by you putting out bandit signs, newspaper ads, etc. stating that you buy homes fast.

My 2 centseveryone here is citing a newspaper article as the reason to invest.

We tried newspaper ads too, but nothing ever really compares with Craigslist.

For instance, if you are looking to see who the contractors or developers are on certain projects, you can probably access that information through the Building or Planning Department website (you usually search by address) To find out what companies are moving in, you might try the business journals, or the local newspapers business section, Chamber of Commerce, etc. 

I use local newspapers and a local publication that only prints public records.

I read the newspapers and follow the town council meetings to see what decisions are made and how they might impact my investments short or long term.. 

All general probates are required to advertise in a "newspaper of general circulation in the county where the property is located". 

I just noticed you are in MI- the Sears Outlet is on Telegraph in Taylor, not sure if it'd be worth the trip for you but you can search on line to see what they have in stock and for how much.Kelly