Make sure they've done several deals in the area that you're exploring.  

After that I hope to break into real estate somehow ( I've yet to decide exactly what I'll do—I'm in the early stages of education/exploration).

Last advice: make sure to have good records an accurate / current data tape - not every loan is based on lender qualifications and LTV/LTC  - normally, the DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) carries a large weight in the overall risk profile.Much Luck!

I am trying to find some hard data on such things as square foot costs, permit requirements when building out of state and scheduling comparisons.  

It is a great place to explore and learn about REI, and take your time to discover what aspect most interests you.

I want to track monthly data such as: Foreclosure sales, Existing Homes Sales, New Home Building Permits, and Mortgage Loan Defaults.

I tried using ProspectNow but during the demo I asked him to show me a couple of my own listings to see how accurate his tenant data was but it was very unimpressive. 

We like Sarasota so we have explored there, as well as the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area. 

Hello, BP community I'm only a couple days new to BP im still exploring all my pro features i'm serious about real estate and I love what I do.

I was just there at the beginning of the month exploring investment opportunities.