I have a couple of inquiries to individuals I found online.

I have checked out some of the online auctions with no luck at winning them at a good price. 

I worry that purchasing now would be a minimal cash flow pure appreciation play. 

Will banks be not as convenient to get loans from, because I actually do see some articles online saying that banks are not as willing to lend to small businesses because they consider them to be risky. 

You may be able to acquire on at your local REIA meeting, I would be very suspicious of anything you find online. 

Most realtors will have at least a couple reviews online on either zillow, facerbook, google etc.

Are there online legal sites/apps that you can pay for this type of service?

Knowing what to say and what not to say also come into play and most sellers will screw that up to, though I admit so will many agents, therefore it is very important to find a good and highly experienced one.You mentioned not wanting to pay $900 more to list with an agen.

It seems the latest on line fad is 'respond to everything and show up for nothing'!

Banks will want some type of historical data if they are going to lend on the deal.I would look more for a momentum play, an asset that is a bit more stabilized, but is still cash flowing.