This helps me narrow down to those that I can work best with.

The best way to get help is to narrow down your goals and be more specific about what your looking to do. 

At first glance I look at the cap rate, location, and condition/quality of construction to narrow down properties I'm interested in.

I almost at a point where I don't even bother with home inspectors.Some other common issues with older houses, particularly if you will be renting:  lead paint, asbestos, mold (although I find older houses are leaky enough that, as long as the roof drains well, air movement through the building is good and prevents moisture buildup), steep staircases, narrow hallways.But you MUST MUST MUST do a walk-through with an experienced contractor (one who specifically has experience renovating older houses/buildings) prior to placing an offer.  

You will likely get a narrow range of prices.I hope this helps.

To find these sweet spot deals would the suggestions be to network with existing real estate agents to narrow the search down?

Next I plan to try to find a contractor to walk the property with me in an effort to narrow it down!

Typically these people are investors and narrowing the search to a specific radius around that property will give you good idea on who to start contacting first.

you need someone with Costar in your area to give you that info, they can narrow it down for you by vacancies on your street, or vacancy rate in all of Austin, etc."

The detached houses are built on narrow streets with large front porches for socializing.