I'm looking at purchasing a property to renovate and both rent out and live in. I

If anyone has any recommendations on how to find good data to support which markets I should buy apartment buildings in I am all ears. 

A house you live in is just an expensive doo-dad. 

Thanks, @ana @Ana GarridoCongrats on jumping in, I am looking forward to hearing about how your deal goes.

But it is an area of town I would consider investing in- I would rate it C+ or B-.

However, my wife forgot to mention the software we have called prospect master by Dolmar Cross that has a list of over 15000 Private Investors that show how much money they have available and what areas they invest in. I

If all you're interested in is for someone to manage a note and for you to be a passive investor then that is a different story.

Only problem is I haven't verified income yet but I feel like she won't be able to afford the place mainly because of stories she's told me already and that she had to borrow the money (first last and security) just to get in. I

It is due, in part, to talking to you and your father that I have realized I know what I want to specialize in. I

The largest benefit to purchasing a 2-4 unit to live in is the ability to use the VA loan program allowing no down payment or PMI if you choose you do not want to make a down payment.