Eric,I have found that for retail flips absorbtion rates are a great indicator or what is happening within specific zip codes.Determining an absorption rate is pretty straight forward.Using your local MLS, or tools like Realtor.com or Redfin determing the number of properties on the market in your specified area for a given period of time... and even price range.

I have found the better deal you get the more you have to watch them.With a low bid they want the job but then get resentful when starting the job and if a bigger retail job comes along they will put you on hold.They also tend to try and cut corners when you are not there.This is why it is best to watch them and not advance them a bunch of money.They get the bulk of the money when they complete correctly and on time.

I can help you find someone for retail, office, or industrial as well.

If you're selling to a retail buyer, just build into your rehab timeline extra time to get the title seasoned.Even on REOs with the typical 90 day restriction, I find that a rehab takes me 4-6 weeks.

In general, I look for properties that are comparable to other retail properties that tend to be selling in areas where there tend to be lots of retail buyers.

My day job is as a consultant to retail chains.

They're not going to use the gross receipts from retail business, for example.

Here's the "Retail/Consumer" frontend of our MLS system:http://www.realtracs.com/PropertySearchMap.aspxAs you can see, this doesn't just include residential.http://www.realtracs.com/ChoosePropertyType.aspx?

(Second house purchased no inspection.)My mom went to an auction at the closing of a high-end nursery/gift shop and her friend bought something for higher than the original retail price sticker on the bottom of the item (discovered in the car on the way home).

I'm in contract to purchase a house right across from a large retail center with a home depot, target etc.