.), then came up with several metro areas to investigate further. 

Someone could have been investigated for fraud for example and never charged, they may find such information that is not of public record.If your are really going to get into the business bed with someone you don't know or feel uneasy about, a PI might be a good solution for your due diligence.

As most replied, the 50% "rule" is more of a quick screening tool to see if further investigation into a certain investment property is warranted.

Otherwise, it may take some investigation work to find that kind of information, I'm not a techie, so my way involves walking and talking, the courthouse, utility records, and following leads. http://www.hilldonn.com/hd/?

Do we just sit and wait the 5 business days (or whatever) for them to investigate?

Fire investigator and insurance investigator came out the week following the fire and determined that it was the tenants fault (or her teenage kids I should say).

But they are now over extended & want to walk away to concentrate on other properties.However, this one has legs & needs more investigation as a well respected local RE CPA I also referred it to had this to say

Here the Rentalsman would investigate and, quite probably, fine the landlord in addition to breaking the lease and returning deposits (here deposits are suppose to be remitted to the rentalsman).

If you do move in, no harm no foul, but if you don't and there is an investigation you pretty much shot yourself in the foot by indirectly declaring your intention in your question.

After reading this post, I am going to investigate the counter for proper support.