That 40k class would not teach you to put nail to the drywall.In my actual job i am so very busy writing code for DATA CENTER like Amazon or Google data center, so I do NOT have time nor knowledge to put a nail in the drywall, but i have TRUSTED friend that can put the nail in the drywall.There are just so many RESOURCES here in BIGGERPOCKETS where one do not need to go to any school but can learn from them or they can redirect to the right people.As for me , my life in real estate context has DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED when I CONVERTED my business relationship into much PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP to the contractor.In flipping business, the contractor, the subcon , is like the Prophet, okay, they have to be listened and being served.

They had extra challenges of language, culture, and education which they overcame. 

I would go extra on the due diligence e with this one or pass.Usually if the owner does not keep good records, it is a sign of how the treat the property, so, when they cannot provide it, I usually pass on them unless it is a killer deal...

Are there any recommendations from anyone who have found certain news sites or data sources to extract data from that has helped them understand the current market landscape in their target area?

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

But Cleveland had all their data destroyed in a cyber attack. 

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

Then I get STR data from AirDNA to ensure it's well above 1.5x LTR data.

I call it the BRR"R"RR method, where the extra R is waiting for the Rate drop.

The amount and type of data they collect for "free" use is concerning. https://innago.com/privacy-policy/