its unfortunately not going to be as easy as googling, but that might get you a list to start with and refine.  

From the start, something seemed off with the seller and/or the seller's agent.

I'll start with the largest learning curve. 

Quote from @Cade Antonucci: I am starting to grow my rental portfolio and am looking for online alternatives to hold security deposits.

Hi Varun, if you're serious about getting started in this space let's connect! 

Would greatly appreciate advise on how to start sourcing the land and/or connect me to land brokers who can help.Thank you in advance!

I'd be happy to give you some insight on the market here and get you some good contacts out here to start building a team.

Don't want to pay tax on selling the rentals I unfortunately don't think they actually want to utilize the 121 to sell their existing primary and then potentially buy another one-it sounds like the goal is to ultimately continue owing that initial home which I think makes this whole plan 5x more likely to be torn apart under audit because they're trying to end up with the same property they started with.  

It would be a good way to start networking.

Is there anything I should know before start shopping?