There are many people here on the forums that are so resourceful and can give advice to almost any hurdle in your journey

What are some tools that people use to figure out what comparable homes/units are charging tenants for rent in an area you're interested in investing in?

I think the companies are gonna start to crackdown on this pretty soon, all of the vendors require you to certify that you're not using the platform for cold calling.2) It works best for inbound leads, inbound calls and calling old leads to rekindle them.

Most people don’t.

Will an increase in market activity lead to more investing opportunities? 

Good morning aqsaYou can find Property managers who will do that for youYes you can start with BRRR and connect with people who invest in midwest on this forum and they can guide you

But my guess is to the reason why people who own a duplex and if they are an investor they don't worry about the mortgage because they have the tenants paying the rent which pays off their mortgage and also have extra left over (cashflow).

There are strong macro factors to include migration, job increase, and quality of life that will be bringing people into the area for years to come.

Are there people who share an environmental passion & approach on this forum. 

I'd be surprised if there is a sustainable builder in Texas that I have not at least talked to, if I don't actually know them.I am trying to develop projects that allow these folks to showcase their work so people may discover that they can live in healthy, efficient, comfortable, forever homes that don't burn,  and are insect proof and mold free.