If you know the name of a party in particular cases, you can look them up for free at the courthouse, or you can use the "Just One Look" services at http://www.alacourt.gov/ to review a court file online.

I have heard seasoned investors talk about going to auctions at the court house.

When they email me anonymously and I like the answers, I quickly check their FB and court records. 

While the rent control laws are enacted, and the tenants rights rules are flushed out in court (how judges rule on cases) we will have to wait and see, but as it was said before, the majority of tenants are good, and you just need to ensure your screening process is sound. 

We can also charge for all added expenses (atty fees, court fees, etc.).

The tenant was notified of my filing, failed to appear in court and I was awarded the motion to substitute party.

Just pennies really, most of the time the cost to go to court one afternoon with your lawyer is more than the lawsuit in question.

You can call, or better yet go in person to, the clerk of court or property appraiser office for help. 

I know by law I am within the right to file a complaint against the landlord in Small Claims Court in order to get the deposit back plus up to double as the law is written but not sure if I should.

Small claims court or a collections agency (I live in a different state than the property)b.