A Walmart distribution center is a few miles away, etc.Tips and suggestions appreciated.  

For example, Amazon is in town with their distribution facility, L'oreal, Target, Walmart, Ikea, etc. all have distribution facilities that have been built here within the past few years. 

They will be a competitor in every major city soon - however, their purchase techniques are unlikely to overlap with the majority of distressed sellers that we work with.

Well the idea more came about while discussing how to distribute our properties to our investors.

While they are "public" in the sense that they are required to be published in a local newspaper, those local newspapers may have a small subscription/distribution base so, someone like you or me that may not be local, may not be able to find a copy of the local paper or, may not be able to find it on line.

Can anyone give me some advice on what tools, techniques to use to find out if an area will rent fast? 

There are some techniques for wire mesh for larger patches that are different they drywall. 

Now if you don’t want to call me a VIP, that’s fine, that is just a title or adjective, but I’m certainly a worthy addition to your buyers list and a proven buyer by my performance history with others.Now you try increasing your list by adding just any supposed buyer to your list without the vetting techniques described above.

What are some techniques used to get contact information on a property?

There are lots of books and techniques, such as meditation, breathing, self-affirmations, therapy, etc.