And I bet the best way to find out who's awesome in any given area is to ask other investors.

Have gone through it and while possible they (banks) will want a history on these properties.IMO the best bet is to buy some (whatever type you decide after research) with cash and see how you like the business.

Do you have any other suggestions or any ideas as to how I might determine if where I'm looking seems to be a god bet?

Rather than hoping I get compensated more for making some bigger decisions, I can practice in a safer environment where I get a steady chunk of money, the experience I can take with me to my next deal, and the OPPORTUNITY to hopefully make some bigger decisions.

I bet mortgage brokers are even more excited about owner financing and lease option agreements!

The landlord also can negotiate a higher security deposit if the prospects have pets, and/or some other reason that a higher security deposit might be safer for the landlord/owner.

Not sure about the whole testing process four years later but I'd be willing to bet that it's contaminate free unless they were running a Walter White Breaking Bad type of operation.

I bet if I looked him up he owns companies that build developments and companies that manufacture construction materials.

I bet you're now officially hooked on real estate.

And don't bet on just one horse.