Where can we find reliable source of REI Market trends?

Start small - get yourself a househack, learn from your own experience of owning the rental property you live in, continue to educate yourself with reliable resources, and then worry about the next home.Having just one solid investment will put you ahead of most Americans than trying to find a way to buy 10 doors out of state in an area you don't even understand. 

The tenants know the mini split is their best bet for controlling temp on their side, but they do not want to not pay for the energy to run it and would prefer the gas gets used (gas is included in their lease.) 

@Natasha BradfordTo save your hard-earned cash and energy, I strongly suggest signing up for one of the many wholesale programs available.

No right or wrong answer, but there is probably more risk buying a property and THEN trying to find/build a reliable team on the ground.Trying to find contrators, inspectors, agents, etc. you can really TRUST is difficult w/o a property though.Makes the most logical sense to find a GREAT PMC who can connect you with others as needed.

Without knowing your exact situation on time, energy, and capital it's hard to limit down to a market. 

Direct marketing can be pretty time/energy consuming, have you considered buying directly from wholesalers?

That GC that won't rob you, be reliable, care about his/her work, work with you on draws. 

The contractors I've hired have not been reliable.

Not possible.The only way to reliably get in touch with motivated sellers is for you to make it easy for them to find you.Get a solid website, work on the 3 pillars of conversions:1.