And really thoughtful actually, I appreciate you going the extra mile to include links to all the posts so when ppl are reading this years from now, they don't have to sift through comments to read the series.Looking forward to it!

I don't know what type of investing you want to do, so it's difficult to tell you how to sift out deals.  

Still some sifting to do.

@Armando Raygoza I posted a blog post a few days ago that might help you sift through the agents in your area.

I just made an excel spreadsheet and sifted through each statement and made a note next to each big deposit or withdrawal as to what it was ("wire from X account, see related X statement"; "payment to Susie for services rendered"; "payment from Bill for XYZ."

Second question is once he's out and I'm seeking new tenants, is there any way to sift out those "needy" type of tenants or is it luck of the draw?

@Reed Huddleston I have written a blog that may help you sift through the agents in your area. https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52724-im-...

Where can I find data on cap rates, or do I just need to sift through a bunch of listings and recent sales?  

You will have to sift through a bunch but I'm sure with a bit of time you can find a few good leads.

Buyers may sift through a hundred deals just to find one!