A lot of people use Zillow, Rentometer, Realtor.com, apartments.com or just call a local property management company.

local bank How did you add value to the deal?

However, if you connect with the right real estate agent in the market where you're looking to invest, they can probably get you connected to all of the individuals that you need in that local marketplace.

THEN get yourself to some meetups and meet other people locally.

we originally borrowed 75% ltc from a local bank How did you add value to the deal?

In either case it is not a bad idea to check with your local building department.

But check your local laws as I suspect New York is more arduous than Missouri. 

A local BRRRR is hard, even for an experience investor. 

Give 24 hours notice, you're not asking him... you're telling him. 2) If you are worried, yes you can call the local police department, explain the situation and request a police escort, it they decline at least you have it on record that you requested.

I rent specifically to contractors working short term jobs at a local petroleum refinery.