Our initial research uncovered that the house was purchased about 3 weeks ago by a mortgage guy from Washington state for $499K.

Research your market area and determine what the true rental rates are.

Does anyone have any pointers on where to go and research this?

The list would likely be the same list as will be at auction; the only thing that would be different is the potential buyers would not waste time researching properties that are not up for auction.

Training was the most important thing for me so I did my research on who offered the best and started from there.

Hello folks:Off the sidelines (researched/read/convinced myself for two years) and off to the races!

I personally really loved that marked of Lufkin after learning about it, researching etc.  

I am also open to the idea of researching out of state markets. 

I would also take some time to read the BP Ultimate Beginner's Guide, I found it very helpful when I was just starting to research real estate investing.

I'm looking for properties in Chelsea, MA and Everett, MA and have been researching via the Assessor's Database, however, there are a number of use descriptions I've never heard of and can't seem to figure out.