We pay close attention to the market and review market data through Zillow and Craigslist regularly, as in at least four times each year we put together spreadsheets on the competition on a square foot basis. 

In a short sale or Deed in Lieu, however, the liens have to be addressed & dealt with in some way during the transaction.Do a title search and clear all of the liens by having the borrower clear them before your transaction or get the lien amounts credited to you so you can pay them off post transaction.We generally pay the full amount of the net cash for keys amount when the borrower vacates the property & leaves it in broom swept condition.Yesterday, we were surprised when a town refused to provide the transfer stamp, which we needed in order to record the Deed.

@Jay Wang if you look at most of my previous posts about Raleigh/Durham they are data-driven answers, however, in this case, I think a common phrase I hear around town best answers your question about Raleigh vs Austin."

What are the best sources to receive local real estate data I.e( market inventory, average days, median sale price, etc)?

If they knew of damage, it would be in a transfer disclosure statement or seller property questionnaire.

Anyone can wholesale as you know, but what makes a good wholesaler in my opinion is the quality of the numbers and data they supply. 

If this is the case, then do an inspection to verify it is vacant and in good condition prior to any money changing hands.Make sure the security deposits and prorated rents are transferred to you.

AirDNA is a great data resource but you must also peel the onion.

From our website:Vacant Rental MarketingWe publish rental properties on 20+ websites, track all inquiries, showings and applications, so we can provide you with feedback via bi-weekly Property Marketing Reports.Here’s some of what our Marketing Department does:Marketing Pics are edited, so your property looks its best:Pics have our Watermark, to avoid crooks copying them and creating fake ads that may result in our ad being dropped from a website.Advertising is published on 20+ websites :We no longer use “For Rent” signs, they statistically attract lower quality prospects and increase the likelihood your property will have a break-in and theft.We track Web Views and Inquiries, analyzing the numbers to identify problems and trends.Showings are exclusively scheduled via our online scheduling software:Prospects can self-schedule at their convenience, 24/7/365, which increases showings.Prospects receive multiple automated communications after a showing, encouraging them to apply and give feedback.We track Scheduled Showings versus Completed Showings to identify potential problems.Our bi-weekly Property Marketing Reports show you Period & Total amounts for the following:Web ViewsInquiriesShowings ScheduledCompleted ShowingsApplicationsWe analyze this data to provide you feedback about what the numbers mean we should do to get your property rented faster.

Is there a specific contract too aquair, so a investor may get a proprty agreement for the purpose of Transferring it  to another investor for a finders fee.