Google the Howey Test if you'd like more info about what determines whether you're offering a security.

@Jay Hinrichs I'm not well educated in the loan product realm, what is this "7% rule" or the actual name of it so I can Google it to learn more about it.

Look at the pictures and description then wright down everything that needs to be fixed.Then take that info and google the estimated repair cost for each of your items.

My other strategy, which seems way too unwieldy and unfocused, has been to open Google Maps, and pick random cities that I have either heard of, or are adjacent to population centers or natural attractions (mountains, lakes, parks etc), and start looking at Zillow and comparing historical data for the props I see listed to try to gauge where we might be on the bell curve of appreciation.

Secondly, you can google up your state mechanic lien statutes. 

I've come to a dead end on Google and the usual private owner sites (Craigslist, Realtor, Sublets, etc).

Just Google Reia's and you can most likely find one in the area you're focusing on. 

@Savannah Esposito Google is your super helper.

If you google "Landlord RUBs billing in New Jersey" it will pull up past tenant/landlord lawsuits where the landlord did not register with the Board of Public Utilities. 

I’ve been doing a lot of research, listening to podcasts, reading books, and a lot of google.