And here in Chicago I always check my favorite local homicide tracker whose name violates usage restrictions.Is there other favorite metrics out there that I am missing? 

If you're targeting a specific market, I suggest connecting with local investors through meetups. 

But again, dedicated crews drive reno costs down.If you can connect with a flipper in your area (quick out your local REIG) and ask to come along when they scope out a job, you will get more from one or two trips than from a dozen books. 

If you're expecting property owners to sell their home to you at a discount, you'll need to earn their trust - whether that be by demonstrating a successful track record with purchasing/selling similar deals OR by meeting them face to face and separating yourself from the dozens of local investors and realtors.Lastly, I'd recommend searching past posts related to this topic as well as checking out books related to your target investment strategies.All the best!

Tho, when one really stands out from a typical local norm at a given time in that market, it may help me to gauge the overall truthiness of the seller/syndicator when it comes to their other claims.

I'd recommend joining local meetups. 

A quick google search reveals that Minneapolis provides assistance for first time home buyers so there seems to be a problem with funds for first time home buyers in your locale too.

To start I made sure that I found a majority of my furniture from locally sourced companies such as thrift stores, Facebook marketplace, mom-and-pop shops, and so on because I felt if I'm going to do this right I want to support the local community I am investing into. 

Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of the screen and look for local investors or meetups in your area.

You can learn the local market without the stress of a major rehab while you start building relationships with property managers and tenants.