I'm guessing there is a resource to determine how/who owns a bank, I just have never researched it, thought it would make sense to try!

@Oliver AlfaroWelcome.Locate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.

Even if I did, the most significant resources in that area are prohibited to me by federal law.  

Also, I like to stay local - the benefit of being able to walk to a rental makes it more valuable to me. 

Check out some of the getting started guides and listen to some podcasts.There are lots of resources available and some great people here.

Its also a pretty good resource on what constitutes a prohibited transaction, who disqualified people are etc.

The fee is for more than pulling reports though it takes time and resources to properly vet an application and with out a fee in my area I would get 10 tire kickers for every 1 real applicant with out charging a marginal fee for the application. 

Excited to dive in, continue to learn all I can, and add value while gaining some valuable knowledge and expertise. 

Look around REI resources and check out the Ultimate Beginners guide.

They tell you about how the investor will cut you out the deal and you will end up wasting your valuable time.2.