I also use courthouse lis pendens lists and buy at the sheriff sales when I can.I also have many 'rubber band map' based searches that get my everything in the target area. 

One thing you can try is narrowing your target audience by throwing in another limiting criteria.

I was just searching for narrow floor plans to start researching for a possible narrow plot urban infill (more of a "someday" plan).  

My state is among the most strict with tenant laws so this would be a serious problem if you want to do things on the straight and narrow.  

Basing any offer around the asking price is short-sighted and narrow-minded.  

Ben has a very narrow and specific investing strategy focused on larger apartment buildings.

I haven’t narrowed down which state yet.

If these are cookie cutter B and C type homes then you could get a certificate of some sort because in that price range people typically will go cheap or not want a designer anyways.

Regardless, I think my next step is to narrow down my go/no go lines on what I will accept as far as contract terms go, provided I feel that their communication, professionalism, thoroughness, etc are all on the level.One question, for anyone reading this. 

Older homes that are well-maintained but have poor flow, floor settling, or don't meet today's families expectations (small closets, narrow halls, low ceilings) should be appropriately comped.