HUD publishes the Median Fair Market Rent on their web site for the entire country.

To avoid partnership issues, 50/50 is likely your best bet.

Look at Listed properties, open houses, for sale by owner (FSBO), wholesalers deals, any on site auctions you can find, and look at as many deals other investors own that they are willing to show you. 

i think the gift basket may be more beneficial to real estate agents to get referrals and possibly to get new tenants. i bet that was nice, i wouldn't forget that either!

She's an agent that works in that area and does a ton of work with out-of-state investors.I think NW Indiana is a great bet, it provides solid cash flow and continues to have Chicagoans flood that way to avoid taxes. 

I wouldn't be investing in any new city without spending a lot of time on that site first.

You bet.

Go to crexi or similar site.

Your best bet is when you renew the lease to add in a clause regarding plumbing repairs related to negligence of the tenant.

I still have a little more than three weeks left Yes, and the DIY sites are mentioned in the blog post I previously linked.