Zillow has "draw a custom region" which is essentially what I am looking for but they are not the most upto date.Redfin doesnt seem to even allow multiu zip code searches

Bay zip codes stretching from Fruitvale to Albany over the last six months.  

The house must now be brought up to code which will be very expensive.

The egress (emergency fire exit) for both units are not up to code because the stairway is too narrow.

There is usually a sticker on one of the sink base doors that has a code that identifies the manufacturer. 

First have you learned the provincial codes.

Specifically what city and zip-code would you like to find something in? 

Also, what do potential leins/code violations stem from??

Are you aware of the zip code list? 

Get at least 10 buyers on your buyer list before looking for houses.Then...To find wholesale deals the city code violation list is a good start but make sure these are properties which are red tagged as not habitable, not just a fence falling down or tall grass.