I generally just google search and call 4 or 5 of them and then make a decision on who to go with.  

@Hector ResendezI commend you guys on this decision for your wife to be a full time mom.

I have started looking in places outside my area, but I'm concerned that because I'm so far away I won't be able to make the right decisions when problems come up. 

Let me know how your decision turns out.

Definately consult your CPA, etc before making big financial decisions.

How do I go about choosing the right city and what data sources do I take advantage of in making this decisions?

By running your numbers with confidence and establishing an appropriate reserve to weather the worst case scenario and then some, you can make an informed decision if this is right for you.

If the structure looks bad perhaps you should get a specialist in there before making a decision.Remember that spending additional time prior to making decisions can go a long way!

Which that alone makes me want to get as many opinions as possible, compare options an information before making a decision.

LOVE this idea. not just in light of my own potential gain, but for the community at large. i'd love to be considered for the opportunity. i have been reading up on REI the last few months, have been at BP for about 3-4 weeks, and have several team members already enlisted and in discussions to the end that i successfully navigate the market. one of those team members is part of a local contracting/construction company that provides end to end solutions. we could get this property from zero to one quickly while keeping the BP community abreast of the step by step changes, from decision making to actual implementation.i'm a little north of Indy in the Fishers area, am involved in various charities (even talking w some local business owners about starting one!)