Where would I find the starter on a 97 nissan altima GLE?

I'm not familiar with your car, but it shouldn't be hard to locate. Locate the transmission and look for the heavy electrical cable going from the positive battery terminal to the starter motor. You'll see the starter solenoid/relay mounted together with the starter motor. Starter motor should be mounted to the transmission housing with two bolts.

The link below might help you assess the condition of the starter motor:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post235560

It is in the middle of the transmission near the front