I choose SEC 8 vs non-SEC 8 depending on the neighborhood.

Or, you can try your hand at it yourself after watching a few Youtube videos.

While taking pages of notes from his training, I also began watching countless hours of youtube videos by many "so-called"  real estate gurus. 

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.

@Matthew Miller if you Google Steve Ferguson realtor longview tx that's his number tell him I sent you he is my leading choose right now but we will see.

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.

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

Check out: https://www.facebook.com/Vox/videos/18316085836022....