Prob narrows your search down to 2-3 markets. 2.

The reality is that it's a pretty small world out there when you narrow it down to: who is doing multifamily syndications in market X.

I was told to do background checks, but obviously only for 3 or 4 that I narrow it down to. 

That'll narrow it down so the GC isn't trying to put together dozens of bids on properties that you may not purchase.

Maybe it could be used to narrow down markets you are interested in.

will take a look at crime and schools and see what that does to geographical narrowing. 

Might be good to get a sense of areas you like, narrow down the search, and then take your time in finding the right place...since this will be your primary residence and likely a long-term investment. 

I plan on meeting with a lender next month.You are right, seeing how much I qualify for will help me narrow my search.I guess I’m struggling with whether to rent my current house out and buy another home,live in it and then rent that out (house hack)Or if I should just buy an investment property, see how it goes and then move out of my current home when I am more financially stable. 

They have a nice "advanced search" feature where I can narrow such as the property type and school district.

Hi, if you took inventory of your strengths then you might be able to narrow down which area within "real estate" that you should start in.