The major team players are covered in the virtual rolodex.

You've already got several of the "A" players in your GR court (on this thread).

Set up a keyword alerts for the area(s) you are looking to invest in and make an extra effort to interact with the "power players" in your region - they have tons of knowledge and can point you in the right direction for your market.

Lock that money up in a CD.

Born here, big enough that no one player holds all the cards, small enough to be known where it counts.

There are regional players everywhere these days find your local REIA or even their web site and go from there.  

HUD statements separate the players from the talkers.

Look at both the big and small players.

@Matt Powell  this model is VERY old news  its how the turn key industry worked prior to the GFC in 07 and 08 when lenders STOPPED doing investor refis for all but the VERY RICH.now as money is rolling again they are just bringing back basically the same products that existed prior to 08 nothing new mysterious or earth shattering here. the trick though is getting more than 4 refis and you can get up to 10 if your VERY well off and qualified or you go portfolio which new players are entering the space  B2R Colony etc.

You get to meet and learn first hand the players and exactly what they bring to the table.