When beginning, or choosing a new market, what resources are used by seasoned investors to determine suitability of a market?

If you choose to use someone without proper credentials it could devolve very quickly into a very expensive series of repairs.

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated, including who not to use if there are people with bad reputations in the investor network.  

Pat has been managing other peoples properties for many years and as far as I know carries a good reputation.

I am still trying to understand why people are choosing to take this route on a rental property. 

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bpThe second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

The biggest portion of the field seems to be marketing and developing reputable motivated buyers.

Do we accept applications choose the best one and then run the background check on just that person?

The only reason I said Lesson Learned was there were other interested candidates to choose from.

Of course, you never have to choose just one strategy, and you don't have to stick exclusively to whatever strategy you employ first.