And lastly, I search FunishedFinder listings nearby, find comparable properties, and track the listed rent for a few months (does it increase, decrease?).

Jonathan your on the right track describing Roofstock..

Its pros include streamlined property tracking, access to owner data, automated direct mail campaigns, and team collaboration features.

Equity Multiple has a good track record and they seem to do a superb job at underwriting deals.

It was a relief to have the unit back on track!

The official answer: The Corporate Transparency Act is intended to provide law enforcement with beneficial ownership information for the purpose of detecting, preventing and punishing terrorism, money laundering and other misconduct through business entities.Uncle Sugar requires us little guys to register and be tracked even though 99.999% of us are not involved in terrorism, money laundering, or other misconduct.

That helps give me some tracks to run on.

Tracking the owner down.  

I am on track to close 8 units (portfolio of duplexes) this month.

Making sense of the deal and understanding their track record is important, of course, but I believe you should develop TRUST before you invest.