Read about them on Wikipedia, City-Data, Local Newspaper, Local Business Journals, etc.

What is his current data; rent, vacancy rate, other expenses, and NOI.  

creating lists, answering calls... data mining

Our VA scraps data, posts on CL, built our website, messages people on LinkedIn, etc.

@Bob Elliott pm me if you'd like to be put on my early access list for a tool that I'm building that allows you to estimate costs for thousands of items with data updated and indexed to specific markets.

Essentially, if you invest with the eyes of an underwriter and know how to assemble info about the deal (data-drive info, not smack: photos/video, sales comps, rental comps, cash flow summary in case you can't flip it, comprehensive rehab scope, security instrument samples and default steps for the lender to feel safe (define the worst-case scenario), your experience/bio, etc.  

But since you're an agent you have the ability mine data of zip code or neighborhood to see number of sold properties and for how much they sold for.

They tend to be apartment centric and have limited data.

Preferably something where we can send financial statements, distribution info, and other data to our investors.

Bear in mind you should expect prompt, data-based answers - not estimates, not long-delayed emails with "oh, our numbers are really great, so great!"