Here are some suggestions:For population, GDP, employment and housing stats, use the Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/home.htmYou can navigate using Search or using the Subjects and Data Tools categories near the top.The easiest way is probably to just google 'bureau of labor statistics' and the name of the market you're looking at and the specific metric you want.

@Keitha LovettWelcome to BiggerPockets, a place to interact with a vibrant REI group, learn the real estate business and language.You didn’t mention a specific area of interest, so, I added links to three of the most popular niches for your review and selection of one or all.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)You can use this material to absorb the basics, so that you will be ready to take on more complex teachings from your mentor.It doesn't matter if you are young or old, totally new or need to build upon your experience.Yes, you have just announced a commitment to the thousands in this community about your seriousness regarding REI and have taken this bold step to affirm it.Your time on this site with the BiggerPockets community will be well spent and can be financially rewarding if you so desire.Don't get overwhelmed by the massive amount of data archived on this site.Simply, bone up on the areas that you need to expand knowledge in such as, Forums, Marketplace, Learn, Network, Analyze and Resources.Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs and webinars REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Being debt averse is a bold strategy ... what kind of debt are you trying to avoid?  

As Mike NA said, you may need to use some credit cards or other financing in order to move forward, but it sounds like that would be a relatively short term problem.Well done on taking the bold moves and making things happen.  

Just because the statistical data says a home is worth $212M, doesn't mean the house hasn't been gutted or that the 2,000 square foot add on wasn't done with a permit or that there isn't a crackhead living in the place right now using the furniture as firewood. 

Phone Numbers in Bold!

You want to make sure you reach a statistically significant test sample before making any decisions on which to move forward with. (95%+ conficence of the sample representing the total population)You can use this calculator: http://drpete.co/split-test-calculatorReplace "visits" with "postcards" and "goals" with "calls/leads".

The index uses non-farm payroll employment, the index of industrial production, real personal income excluding transfer payments, and real manufacturing and trade sales - along with some fancy statistical transformations.Let's look at it recession by recession..T-0 is the month of the second consecutive occurrence of the index over 4.0% "D Day"T-1 is the month of the first occurrence.

Account Closed Looking at the math provided - I am not convinced it matters - we can look at the statistics for the area taking into account average and median incomes but the market it showing us differently.

(In this case, most likely not)  if there was, look at the motion for summary administration (or the initial filing it should name the heirs and personal representative.Another option is to go to the department of vital statistics, and get a copy of the birth and or death certificate.