You should have a pretty decent idea of what homes are worth/what places are renting for and you can make an educated decision from there.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

If they're public, look at their stock prices, look at their income. 

My gf wants to pivot and rent the house while we live in the condo, but my brother is not educated and is afraid of being a landlord.

Properties meeting at least one of the following criteria will not be eligible for Citizens Personal Residential Multiperil coverage:Rented to guests more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than 30 days or one calendar month, whichever is lessAdvertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests

I've used all the contacts that I can find through public records, but have had no success.

I highly recommend reading the BP books for self-education and house hacking a 2-4 unit property for your first deal.

I used to go to the sheriff sale and they would scoop up so many valuable lots and wouldn't allow bidding to the public.

As for privacy concerns, changing the name and being mindful of future registrations or public filings can help minimize the "breadcrumb trail."

We are looking at what's next and want to absorb all the information we can to make the most educated decision on our moves.