If you are looking to invest from a far I would simply keep your options open, many market have areas that are appriciating and articles on the internet about growing areas are everywhere, just do your research and talk to as many people in those markets as you can.  

Real Estate Rewind Starting overhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/brandonatbp/file/real-estate-rewind-a-biggerpockets-community-bookGood Luck Paul 

Is this something only to be found locally through networking or would searching the internet be worth my time.

Real Estate Rewind Starting overhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/brandonatbp/file/real-estate-rewind-a-biggerpockets-community-bookGood Luck Paul

For now I have found the dockets on the internet but there is no property address or anything, just the plaintiff and the defendant and the date filed.

Real Estate Rewind Starting overhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/brandonatbp/file/real-estate-rewind-a-biggerpockets-community-bookGood Luck Paul

@Gunnar Teltow  in the day in PDX I was one of the top 3 foreclosure steps buyers... and the picture you post above was how crazy it was at the court house.. when I started buying foreclosures in the late 70s and early 80's I was generally the only one there.. never had to bid against anyone.Fast forward to the internet and how to fix and flip guru's  and even a Bp Educating folks on how to do our industry that had no experience.. led to what you have today.. mass's thinking this is a get rich business quickly with no money no credit etc.Anyway I am bidding on this little rancher... starting bid was 80k  ARV 200k  this brought out every buddy and their brother.. 34 people qualified funds to bid... so right there that was at least 3.4 million in cash chasing one deal.. it bid up to a point that the winning bidder would be lucky to make 10k.. and if there was issues could loose 10kI want back to my office and told my staff....

Real Estate Rewind Starting overhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/brandonatbp/file/real-estate-rewind-a-biggerpockets-community-bookGood Luck Paul

http://www.biggerpockets.com/users/bhall005  Ok. 

There were a couple of big mergers, the title plants moved out of town and the internet changed everything.