I recommend setting up keyword alerts for each area as they are discussed in the forums daily with advertisements posted in the BiggerPockets marketplace hourly.One thing to note when looking at the individual markets, you can make or lose money in any market.

However, this is a totally new space to me- Any advice for how to go about looking for a lawyer who works with individual investors and won't break the bank?

Use individual leases to reduce risk, screen tenants carefully, and set clear rules about noise and responsibilities.Good luck!

So while you may get several numbers for an individual, not all numbers will still be active for that person so the total accuracy rate will go down.

We are doing 300+ homes so individual LLCs isn't realistic in this scenario. 

Most of the regular posters here on Bigger Pockets have a negative view of Sub2, especially after a couple of individuals spammed the site to promote their training.There was already a negative view of Sub2 on Bigger Pockets due to most of the regular posters did their deals in a different manner therefore, as is human nature anything out of our own personal preference can look mighty sinister. 

My friend recently told me of this scenario where the person I lease to would perhaps then double book individuals and keep deposits. 

Individuals who bought real estate during a recession have seen their property values and cash flow nearly triple. #2 avoid sowing seeds of failure in the good times - Many investors fail due to investing in prosperous markets.

One feature that I would love is to be able to see this on the main search page so you don't even have to navigate to an individual listing.

Only an experienced individual or professional should try this.