We received 2 offers (one actually came before the open house), which created a small bidding war.

It gives me the assessors numeric code for the particular property.

Funny I've often thought that if I invested in a war zone I'd post small signs by the entry points that say "no copper or valuables in this house.

I've began investing in myself by purchasing numerous books pertaining to this. 

Having access to the MLS alone with solve numerous issues you'll run into...

A few notes on the area from my observations:1) stay away from Newburgh, housing is cheap but it's a war zone and schools are bad2) single family is hard to cashflow in the area because taxes are too high relevant to rental rates.  

People are allows fighting the last war.  

I have done a lot more research and read numerous books on the topic of buy and hold real estate investing and I am looking forward to learning a lot more from people on this site and further my education any way I can and I am excited to starting a business in real estate investing.

IMHO - I would suggest sticking with post war [1945] built homes that rent for at least $700.This will typically get you out of the C- or war zone areas.The close to I-465 the better [typically].  

Just search numerous apps multiple times a day (realtor, trulia, Loopnet, etc) and have a local agent forward you properties that meet your criteria.