I can see this information one-at-a-time, say on Zillow, but what I'm looking for is a more streamlined approach where I can load many, perhaps even hundreds of homes into Excel in order to create averages.I'm hoping this will allow me the ability to see the potential or lack of potential for any home that comes on the market in my area.  

If you are just looking for one piece of information, the agent will likely give it without giving the whole document, but it is to prevent tire kickers from wasting everyone's time

For example, should i waste $$$ adding in the year the house was built, the % equity or the loan details?

I used TripAdvisor as well - wasted effort.4.

@Brian Knox I am not sure what happened but if B of A owns it, or for that matter HUD, you are wasting you time trying to do a deal.

Good agents blow WEEKS trying to sell your property and often times they can get your home to sell for more than you can alone.You can have a whole bunch interview with you and then pick the best bang for your buck (don't stiff them too hard, they waste tons of time since it's their job) If you go do it yourself like a few mentioned, get a purchase agreement and expect a rush of calls/showings if you priced it right.

Loaded question and good questions it all stems down to what you as a investor can financially afford and absorb the risk.

I've been getting a lot of quotes and these contractors seem to think a 40% waste factor is what it's going to take to get the job done..

Jack Smith you waste no time!

So I'll get it up to $2100 minimum for the three units while living in one (basically that would cash flow me 300 plus the rent I am currently wasting) also I plan to rent out the other room of the unit I'll be living in for an additional 400.