Can anybody give me some tips on how you find potential deals without physically driving for dollars looking for distressed property?

Right now I'm thinking I should find homes purchased for cash during 2009-2012 assuming those investors might be willing to sell now? How do I find those records? Would most of them be foreclosures sold during that time? Can I get that list from the banks?

Also, how should I find homes where the owner lives at a separate address?

And also, what are some good ways to find vacant homes?

I've been using the Assessor website, but I want to find a way to aggregate all of the properties that meet these criteria in my area. Thanks!