However, I'm sure there are much better websites and census data available on the topics. 

Sine we own our primary residence one of the banks we contacted suggested we use a home equity installment loan (HEIL) saying that it would allow us to make what amounts to a cash offer on the property and secure the loan with a similar term and interest rate to a conventional loan and the added benefits of no closing costs.  

You might want to contact some providers who participate on these forums to learn more about your options.

Within the past 2 weeks, most of the pre-foreclosures I had contacted now appear in the "auction" status with dates set in the next couple of weeks.

If anyone has any thoughts, data, or information on this topic I would love to discuss this further!

I started a call script to be prepared for when leads contact me but I was wondering if any questions or methods worked out well for others.

Feel free to PM me for contact info. perhaps I can give you some pointers about the cost seg as well.

Please contact me!

I get the purchaser information at the tax office and if they are out of town investor's I contact them after their flip has become a flop.

One CAN figure out approximately how much a property sold for even if it's not listed in the records:  extrapolate the transfer taxes (state/county/city) and multiply out.Just an aside:  I remember back in the day when the appraisals were coming in short in an appreciating market (something like we have today) we would ask the buyer to pay MORE money for the transfer taxes (no law about not paying more taxes) and it would help show a higher "sales" price and help 'push' up the comps--not recommending you do that now--much more data available for all eyes.But I would recommend that you buddy up with a like-minded realtor, and work out a mutually beneficial arrangement so you can get the info you need, and they can get listings, sales, referrals, etc, that they need.Better yet, get licensed yourself and get to know the business from the inside out!