Exploring opportunities out of state, such as in the South, is a great idea.

Feel free to explore other loan options as well!

The seller data is useful but it must be evaluated within the context of your own investing knowledge and experience.A local property manager who manages similar assets can also provide useful data.Use your local market knowledge and experience to develop a proforma you feel confident in and proceed from there.Arn

There are multiple factors that go into determining rents and if there is limited data the rents will be off. 

Thought I would give this a bump --I'm looking to get into the Section 8 niche and have been exploring Memphis, Tennessee!

Data over the last century shoes REITs have a correlation to stock market returns. 

Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

My current exploration pertains to new construction and land development.

So, the market data agrees with @Mike H.'

Recommendations for career transition include speaking to agents, exploring brokerage firms, taking classes, and using resources like books, podcasts, online communities, and mentorship.Good luck!