Best way to determine ARVs and CMAs?

[Jim Tiernan]

I've started my direct mail campaign and the phone is ringing.

Now What's the best way to determine ARVs and CMAs prior to physically seeing a property? Especially for out of town real estate?

I read http://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/real-estate-comps-house-value/

And was wondering how most investors do this.

Pay for access to MLS (how much does that cost?) and learn how to do CMAs myself? I'm not interested in involving an agent at this point.

Or instead of subscribing to MLS, instead subscribe to a service like

Home Smart Reports (http://www.homesmartreports.com/) or

RealQuest Professional (http://www.realquest.com/) ?

Can anyone who subscribe to those sites tell me about the costs and benefits?

Thanks!

Jim