Or is gaining this type of vital info a function of the strength of your personal network and just hitting the streets for the pulse of the market?

There's absolutely strength in numbers.

My career as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist does give me an advantage. 

@Alim AbrahimIf you can find a lender , and the land is desirable location, borrower is good strength, etc., you probably are talking like 9.5-12% I/O, a few points, maxed out at 50% LTV, if it's bare dirt.  

@Luis C Ceniceros LTV is relative...based on your equity position, strength of the asset, the economy, and your personal financial makeup...DTI- credit score.

What resources could be used to demonstrate the strength of one market over another at any point in time and "rank" them accordingly for a specific kind of investment (or business venture).  

I would suppose people succeed based on their strengths and ability to seize the opportunities that work for them.

They'll look at condition of the building, value relative to other similar properties and strength of the local market.

I'm going through a HUGE learning curve right now with the wealth of info out there, and trying to figure out all the steps and parties needed to buy property.Any good tips or resources for checking the strength of the rental market in a particular area or neighborhood, prior to making an offer?

I'm going through a HUGE learning curve right now with the wealth of info out there, and trying to figure out all the steps and parties needed to buy property.Any good tips or resources for checking the strength of the rental market in a particular area or neighborhood, prior to making an offer?