What you're doing now, is compiling information, but not gaining any knowledge. 

If you want to read up on it, there are usually several charts compiled online summarizing the different laws in each state, but you'll have to check how current the chart may be. 

If we can get this thread going and compile a database of each persons real life experience with each property type, I believe it could help all of us learn at least 1 thing more (which could lead to 1 more successful flip)So far it seems like if I do a basic cosmetic renovation, and have a competent inspection with reinforcement, many of the risks with houses is mitigated.

The answer is yes, but you will need to pay for the data.A good friend woks for a company based here in Denver called Blackbox Logic LLC, and they are not the only ones that offer a service like theirs.The use crawlers and compile recent data, and offer this data at a fee.

I kind of had to overcome my background in finance, compiling metrics till the cows came home.  

You should be doing your own comps to ensure accuracy.That said, we've compiled a directory of these online sites for those of you who want to get a baseline average before getting out there and doing your own DD:http://www.biggerpockets.com/house-value-comps.html

@Ahshar Sylvestre I wrote a blog post that compiles a list of resources I used to learn about direct marketing and copywriting.

Did you try compiling lists the hard way? 

So my associate and I have been working for the past few weeks, and have compiled a list of about 50 distressed properties we are interested in, along with the names and addresses of the homeowners.

thanx, do you know of any composites that compile and sell those records?