In order to organize your search, create a spreadsheet and gather the following data points for the past 5 years for at least 7 midwest markets:- unemployment- job growth- job diversification- income growth- population growth- home pricing- rent affordability- vacancy ratesAlso note, landlord / tenant laws and property tax ratesOnce you have this, order your search based on trends (there isn't a perfect market either). 

Further, we don't know how the OP is organized for federal income tax purposes.Thus, the conclusion that the lender has a 1098 obligation is premature. 

Right off the bat I could tell that he is super organized and thorough which was imperative for me doing an out of town flip. 

I have begun researching real estate investing in earnest these last two months.

His is a quality organization, that I recommend you look into.

Contact a few lenders and see what they say.If you try 5, you will likely get 5 varying answers.It will also help you organize your info and numbers.

What programs/software do you guys use to organize your network of investors/cash buyers?

In most cases, leads that show motivation have a problem "right now", and showing up in Google search results via organic or paid allows you to try to provide them with a "right now" solution. 

Hello All,Since graduating from the University of Florida 2 years ago, I have found an interest in real estate investing and have since begun consuming all of the books and podcasts I can get my hands on.

I am excited to start this journey into real estate investing, and have begun the process passionately, already doing tons of listening and research and just talked to a lender yesterday.Here's the thing: I'm not risk-averse.