Let's look at data and then base your decision on it vs guessing.  

In my efforts to educate and run numbers on properties before I dig my heels in and make my first purchase, I'm having trouble finding out how to find historical sales data and comps in my area.

Since all of the third party sites and apps get their data from the MLS (yes even zillow), your best source of information is from your realtors MLS account.

Here's a link to a good tool but it's raw data so it doesn't have context. http://maps.indy.gov/MapIndy/index.html?

@Kim Durst quickbooks is great and I also recommend Stessa which is free and can help you track your income and expenses as well as having all your property data in one place.

Does anyone have any data on the type of people moving to Detroit, what's the demographic, where are they coming from? 

Would the "Tax Assessor" site be a good tax data base?

While I need to work a job to live, I would much rather be in a job where I can immerse myself in the industry while also building great connections.I went to a few Real Estate firms with my resume in hand just asking if anybody would like an assistant, or somebody to do data entry or anything. 

., The type of data you are looking for can be spotty incorrect or out of date. 

Looking on my website I have to select deed then forclosure because there is not a pre forclosure option but it does not tell me when the house goes into forclosure or if it's already in that stage So the only leads I have are tax delinquent which are put out in the newspaper once a month driving for dollars and currently looking into a app called vacant house data feed so I'M MISSING OUT ON CHANCES TO GET GREAT DEALS BECAUSE OF LACK OF KNOWLEDGE FROM MY CITY LISTS if anyone from louisville Kentucky is in this group either link up with me so we can talk business plans !!