If you don't have a CPA you know and trust, I suggest getting  a referral. 

I only see options for US addresses.  

They requested that we use their payoff statement since we held the note as trustees of our living trust.

After you've analyzed a bunch of deals as best you can, if you see one that you think and feel is a good deal, trust yourself and go for it! 

These days there will often be a map, where you can either click on the property of interest, or enter the address, and get a basic report - whose name is on the property tax records, how much the property tax is, the square footage, year built, etc. 

@Olivia DeMarco I would reach out to find trusted property managers and agents in the market you are interested in.

Finding a contractor you trust and who does quality work is the biggest factor, but this is hard to do from afar and referrals may be your best bet.

Florida specifically addressed this due to the number of victims of these types of operators.

I'm still trying to figure out my market, what niche I'm interested in, and exactly what location (geographic) I want to focus in. My question is what sources of information do you guys use to track your local market ...

Trust me on this one!!!