You are correct, the podcast are an incredible source of information that help to listeners better understand what works and the different challenges that are out there.I'll definitely set up alerts and connect with BP members in my area to expand my network. 

My gut tells me that most agents will be the same, and the best agent will be the one with the biggest network to source/find deals.

If you take the time to share some phone calls with a handful of prior investors, you should get a pretty good handle on what your experience is going to be like.The purpose of investing in a syndication is to leverage the sponsor's time, expertise, and ability to source great deals, but if the experience is going to cause you to lose sleep at night, any return you might make simply will not be worth it.All the best,Jack

Of course, for investing in rental real estate, you want markets with lower vacancies and ongoing demand.The bottom line is that for a great real estate investment market, you want to invest in areas where the data show signs of current and continued healthy growth.A few sources to find the data mentioned above include City-Data.com and censusreporter.org.

RE investment can be a great source of income.

- is there a website like (list sources) to market to the owners?

Student loans are usually one of the cheaper sources of money, so paying it off is effectively only investing at the low rate of return.

You are sourcing a property out of state, haven't seen the property, don't know any investors or providers in the area, don't have an attorney or your own title company - how do you think this is a valid business plan?

I am a wholesaler and have learned a great deal from my local REI group, here on Bigger Pockets, and from other sources.

Additionally, does anyone recommend how to find this info. for DMM and Cold Calling (List source, CoStar, Reonomy).