The title company (assuming you’re In a title state) will do all the work for their minuscule fee you’re going to pay anyway. 

But in the process (2 weeks) they sold the mortgage to another company.

I've read that talking to a property management company that is knowledgable in your market is one of the best ways, but I'm looking for a way to get a good idea of market rents on my own when analyzing rental property deals.

There are companies that will do this.

There is a Raleigh REIA once a month that my company attends!

More like a one time installation as opposed to a company monitoring service.

I also understand looking at a city isn't just it, but that it's about neighborhoods, and sifting through the properties, talking to the real estate agents/property managers etc. 

Direct Control: Managing the project yourself gives you direct control over every aspect, from selecting materials to scheduling subcontractors, ensuring that your vision is accurately 3.Learning Experience: Taking on the role of a GC can be a valuable learning experience, providing insight into the construction process and improving your skills for future projects.4.

Can anyone recommend me a great insurance company that's also headache free when it comes to filing claims?

The easiest way to obtain a list of foreclosures is through a title company.