On the MLS look at local rentals and maybe reach out to another agent that has numerous listings and ask them for feedback.

Don't listen to the "story" because you don't know if it is true and it is immaterial anyways.

My current employer here in New York is schooling me all about the business owning/running side of contractors, plus listening to contractor and business related podcasts and audiobooks.

There are numerous resources you can check out on the topic.

I'd highly recommend listening to episode 218 of the BiggerPockets podcast, as well as reading, "Driving for dollars: 5 Tips To Easily Find Off-Market Distressed Properties" by Chris Feltus.

We made numerous mistakes but the property still has about a $400 a month cash-flow.Since I discovered Bigger Pockets, I'm absolutely obsessed with real estate investing. 

After a friend turned me on to the BP a couple months ago I started listening to the Real Estate and Rookie podcasts interested in finding a way to eventually escape my W2 job.

Hello from a bp rookie that just listened to podcast #525 stop planning goals around results, do this instead w/ Geoff Woods. 

Basically the price of an RE market is based on numerous parameters two of the largest being perceived risk and perceived appreciation (property and rent appreciation).Your first investment has been outstanding. 

I have since started listening to the podcast from episode 1 and am now at episode 30.