I manage the program for one so I wanted to provide good questions to ask.

Where to get the most recent and accurate data for things like:Unemployment dataPopulation growthJob diversity and top employers in the areaVacancy rates (eg huduser.org)Property taxes and jnsurance costsI saw bp pro and reventure and a bunch of other websites provide some of this data, but i wonder how accurate and recent it is.

(Even went beyond the second page of Google.)I have an investor who wants to partner on a deal by providing a loan for the down payment.

Inconsistent Cash FlowUnlike traditional jobs, real estate doesn’t provide steady paychecks.

However, we have a higher end market so it always struck me as strange that we'd only provide such a small amount since it doesn't cost that much more to provide more.

Quote from @Jaikevis Reams: In order to put a property under contract I need to provide proof of funds I know that I can get that from a hard money lender but I don’t meet there criteria for a loan approval what should I do? 

Provide them proof of your ability to find, fix, flip (or whatever strategy you plan to use), and then start with small amounts of their money.

What are some cities that might provide cash flow, but remain affordable?

It's an education that Harvard, Yale or Stanford can not provide and it's FREE! 

If they’re not able to assist, I also have other LAIC referrals as well that will just provide the service only.