Furnished Finder is primarily a lead source.

Is there a reliable source to get this information from other than agents? 

What are your specific goals with real estate investing?

I do have a third goal, but too much will happen by the time my second goal materializes that my third goal will likely change drastically.Also, I tend to find myself wanting to ask market-specific questions to agents/lenders/investors/contractors/etc. a lot.

There is no specific IRS-mandated minimum holding period for a property acquired through a 1031 exchange before you can retitle it, that's why it's hard to find an answer. 

And if you’re targeting specific regions, what makes those areas attractive for your strategy?

You can find both and you can reduce the commission but you may need to do more work.More specific on your questions about price, that is also negotiable.

Both are excellent platforms which save people immense amount of work and tme by compiling all the critical data you need in 1 place but there leads are way behind the county recorders/courts/notices i.e the source of most motivated seller leads.

Would be happy to chat if you have any specific questions.

For example, are there specific documents or information I should prepare, or would identifying a target property first be more beneficial?