You're in the best place to connect with people in and around your target market.I recommend 3 things:1. use the 'search' function to find topics, members and areas of interest .

We plan to start in NYC and then create a network across the country, so we'd have local market experts. 

All I can say is that there are memberships that cost tens of thousands of dollars.What I tell people is find a local investor and take them to  a nice lunch for 30 bucks and see if it goes well. 30 bucks no harm no foul. 25,000 to a membership not working out possibly is a huge deal for many. 

You can search for local REIAs in your area here or on Facebook.I wish you all the best.

Aside from looking at other local PadSplits in the area, what are some other forms of identifying current market rents for rooms in an area that is not prevalent in PadSplits currently. 

They are strict to follow local MLS rules so be prepared to get detailed and accurate in your listing.

Local investor agent here.

As others have said, calling the specific city or county clerk/zoning department will be most productive.This can be time intensive, so it helps if you've already narrowed down your scope of search to a few ZIP codes.

Mostly student rentals near USC (Shandon, Olympia, Rosewood - mostly near campus)I could be a good resource for you with lenders in town - have lots of loans with local banks like Arthur State, First Palmetto, CCNB, Security Fed, etcHappy to help - shoot me a DM

I would get the list of owners from a local title rep you use, then take that to the local printing shop (all-in-one).