I'm out that way as well and I've been toying with the idea of hiring a PM team as well... 

Hard credit inquires initiated by you the volume does affect the score some but not a major driver as other metrics they weigh.If your score is really low then there is usually a lot more than extra inquiries going on.To be a successful investor there has to be a life shift on how to manage and grow money with using credit.A bad use of leverage might be taking vacations, running up credit cards for toys, buying cars, etc. that have depreciating assets and do not give off a monetary return.Conversely if you do not load up on bad debt then that helps qualify  for the good debt.

So when I think of mastering a market, I think all the nuances like-Why people move from x to y (relocate, move up etc) Schools and extra curricularsWhy they would want to move here (jobs, community etc)Finishes that may be preferred here vs other marketsAny historic or new development infoBasically things they can't just go to zillow and see.

That way he can go back to them and say "I have a potential buyer willing to offer in the X to Y range, who might be interested in your property". 

@David Wiser Yes I do own my home right now, have about $100K in equity (purchased with FHA 3.5%, based on comps it's appreciated nicely), we are planning on selling and moving to Oregon in the next year, and have been toying around with the idea of going down the multi-family owner occupied route... both my wife and myself do have some reservations about that with having a small child and hopefully another one in the next couple of years. 

Tough decisions.For instance, you want a farm and a lot of "toys". 

Thousands of homes going up and they can't keep their RV and boats etc toys at their home so a Storage place is needed in the area.

If you have electric baseboards heaters, make sure the parents watch out for small fingers or toys that may find their way onto the heating elements.

If the toilet is clogged with a toy ball, I didn't do it and presumably a guest of their or they themselves did it.

I'll send you one though so toy just have to reply.