I've identified Omaha as a market I'd like to branch out towards to meet my goals.

I've since identified that it is at least the toilet that's causing the problem, but perhaps an inspection would have caught it sooner and we could have had the previous owner address it. 3.

After all, the SSN is the primary/unique identifying number used in tenant/credit screening. 

I am hoping to have an open loan, where as I identify homes I want to keep buying over a relatively short period.  

What tools and resources can I use to get to know the areas a bit better and identify good areas for rental properties? 

If you look at the websites of hard money lenders, you will find that a number will identify the various states in which they lend.

You need to first identify your end goal, desired investment outcomes, risk tolerance, and overlay this info with existing dependencies (proximity, $...etc).It's absolutely great to absorb the info and opinions from those who are succeeding, but ultimately you need to craft a clear vision of what you want to accomplish and then identify/execute the tasks will lead you to that desired vision.

Before buying in another state, I would identify the markets that you are interested in and build relationships with people in those markets that will be able to help you out when you need things to get done. 

Identify good assets, buy right, and hold until you want to.

This will help you identify a real deal.