I remember someone from a podcast used preliminary advertising to test the demand for rentals.

A year later I was moved into a full-time position managing a 100-seat computer-based testing center on campus.

Aggregating data from public information is typically better to buy or rent from commercial providers unless you want customized data fields, highly targeted leads, compiled lists or response lists (prospects test have responded to others' offers). 

Test results shut that story down years ago. 

(I'm planning on using hard money+my HELOC to Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat..)He won't pass any tenant screening tests, that's for sure, but I feel like I could probably structure a deal that gives him enough cash at closing to put 12 months of rent into escrow up front.  

Test repsonses with different lists and mail pieces, with marketing it is always test and tweak.

Then you can test the waters while getting into it.Brian

In short, you're going to have to test your market.

If he likes you enough, he may let you test drive his new Tesla.

@Abdul Azeez, I think that the problem is that you are stacking the deck against yourself trying to do all of these things on your first deal:1) Purchasing the property from an online auction site / bank, which is notoriously tricky even for the experienced investor, due to their proprietary contracts and minimal due diligence period and strict deadlines.2) Working with a new contractor that you haven't used before, or seen their work before, and who may not be used to dealing with investors.3) Trying to get conventional financing on a property that has a short closing time and where the mechanical systems cannot be tested.4) Working on your first deal by yourself instead of partnering with a local investor who can guide you along, or at least a mentor who you can turn to with questions.My advice is to make it easier on yourself by considering buying a property with a standard contract and longer due diligence period, network with local investors who can provide you contractor contacts and also some guidance, and consider using private financing or hard money instead of bank financing.In my opinion, buying from the online auction sites is a more advanced strategy that you can use once you are able to ballpark construction costs yourself and/or you have a trusted contractor you've worked with before and/or you have private financing or hard money set up so you can close fast and/or you can purchase the property without interior access and hope to get lucky in terms of condition (but still buy at a price where you are comfortable doing a full rehab if necessary without losing much money) and/or you are familiar with agreement of sale contracts and closings in your state so you can assess the risks of using the bank's seller-friendly contract.You're already doing the right things by asking questions on this forum, and taking action.