I spent time after that in software selling big data solutions most recently.  

@ Lacey…thanks for the city-data information.

He should be good at marketing, a skilled negotiator on your behalf, have his ear to the ground for movement/conditions in the market/neighborhood, utilize and share MLS data to come up with comps/ARV, have contacts with key players (inspectors, contractors, government officials, loan officers, attorneys, property managers, other investors, off-market deals etc.), quickly manage all the cumbersome paperwork/contracts/communication/scheduling, and know how to navigate a lot of the bumps that often prevent deals from closing while keeping all parties on the same page and moving forward.

What resources do you use to get market data?

Here is the latest Tesla SEC filing. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1318605/000156459016018886/tsla-10q_20160331.htm Page 5 of the report shows that they sold over $1B (1 Billion) in automobiles last quarter.

Is there a source (website) where I can research rental rate data?

I'm active with our local MLS so I have access to the data. 

I am looking for this data in the Rockford, IL area (particularly Loves Park, Machesney Park, Roscoe, and the east side of Rockford). 

A skilled real estate agent is a great resource as well, as MLS databases to give them access to extremely detailed physical data and sales records.

Also I would like to get access to MLS data.