The information I am looking for would be the standard points an investor might want to know, including average home prices, median income, crime rates, real estate forecasts etc. 

A good friend of mine @Josh Green that is an investor/investor focused realtor is having great success in the Tampa Bay area.

I don't have trouble hiring at that rate.

You need to do the math carefully and make sure it cash flows under that new loan (70%ARV) at your new rate.  

Higher interest rates have made it difficult for buyers to secure loans, while sellers are hesitant to part ways with their fixed-rate mortgages.

Is it better to do a smaller down payment compared to 20% to save on interest rates and then take a lump sum to recast the mortgage?

Ask for examples of how they have helped other investors find profitable deals and navigate challenges.Discuss key investment metrics such as cap rates, cash-on-cash return, and ROI.

Although he may have a different take on what is required to be successful.

It is all based on the contacts and experience that you have to make your investment a success.

The chances of you quitting your 9-5 and doing real estate full time and being successful is similar to the photo below where everyone at the top in the crowd is thinking they can do it, and there is one person for every few thousand that can do it.