Finding Distressed Homes

I have been to the courts today to try and find court records of distressed houses, but since I live in a commonwealth, that is private and they do not give out that info. So how else can I find distressed houses? Should I send out letters to banks and get a listing of their REO properties? I want to try and flip some houses or maybe do some rehab and resell. I live in Virginia Beach, so if you are from this area that will help also. Thank you.