Other sources may get you leads but more don't pan out in my experience.   

If you're more of a 'personal referral' person than a 'do research online' person, and this is local to you in Manhattan, KS, hit up one or two of the trades people in the "little apple all stars" BNI group.

I have interests in Indy so I did visit with Mr.

You might also meet title agents who have resources on, say, foreclosures or probates…and might recommend lenders who actually lend on more difficult projects (as the title companies also know which lenders can close and which are difficult).I also go visit open houses to see what sorts of finish to put on my renovations or to look for the next house or area in which to purchase.  

I am new to real estate investing and still learning, so any advice, related or unrelated to this would be extremely appreciated!

This question came from the Bigger Pockets Facebook Group, and I thought it was a good one.

well yea, i used to use software like propstream and i've been telling you folks I know my market much way better than my licensed real estate agent.

@Jamie Parker This is fantastic!

In this manual (which I assume could be modified to provide to tenants) I include all the financing information (which you would not include for tenants) bank accounts, mortgage accounts, payment information, and mortgage payoff), a list of the contractors, what each contractor does, a list of upcoming planned or necessary repairs, and a copy of all leases associated with the property.

If you have every lived or have family you are visiting anywhere in the Midwest, that's where I would start.