I visit sometimes as I have family there (dad still lives there).About a year ago I was in town with my wife over the Christmas holiday for a bit and decided to get out and investigate the same (out of state investing). 

The Agency’s investigations are complaint driven, so we rely heavily on the public, and our licensees to bring these individuals to our attention.

That's pretty much what all the houses on this block are assessed at.Surely there's lots more to investigate, but are these the sorts of deals I should be finding and looking at?

You've given me plenty to think about and investigate.

I'll investigate it further.Earlier this week when he said it was sold, I didn't think too much of it and figured we'd forget this one and move on., but given that he has the listings of every house I find that have potential I feel like I have to look into it.

It's a private investigator service and they'll track down the homeowner for about $68.

Their contract is probably to their advantage, read the terms carefully, but their are still basic agency laws they are required to follow, one is keeping the principal fully informed.Threats to break a contract may fall on deaf ears, an attorney's letter threatening suit for damages in  letting a new management contract for the remainder of the term should get their attention.Call the TREC and report their lack of attention in detail, times of calls, emails, letters, you can file a complaint with TREC and they may investigate the matter, they will contact the managing broker and I'd say your calls will be returned.

I saw an investigative report on Youtube.

Let the buyer investigate for there own due diligence.  

@Marcus Cathren You're doing the right thing by educating yourself and doing your investigations before you get your feet wet.