I couldn't find much information about them online besides their own blog posts and a few interviews with the founders, who were promoting MHP business and themselves. 

I would never form an entity with them when I can do it online with a firm that charges a fraction of what they charge).

Networking with local real estate groups or online forums could help you find recommendations for PM companies that have a proven track record in Birmingham 

Sometimes you get lucky.You could even bring up the subject of seller financing (search online for ideas of how to structure a seller financed offer), and make sure a competent real estate attorney helps write the offer documents (if it gets that far). 

My local cable, internet, cell and utility companies are already using it to field calls and answer questions online and phone.

I've used an online designer before, you send her photos, measurements of the room and existing furniture, and your budget and she presents you with design options and the links to buy!

If you want to understand 5-year outlook, I'd look for multifamily construction data in your area to understand what level of new units is and will be coming online in the near future. 

You don’t even have to attend some conferences, some will publish a list of their speakers and/or attendees and you could simply reach out directly after researching their firms online.

If they are available online or in person.

But this was late 90s so way before on line stuff had taken off.