What rule of thumb do you use? If you use one

[Daniel Basaldua]

Hey BiggerPockets Community,
I have not posted on here much. Mostly because I am still in the educating myself with reading and the podcasts. I did not have a question, until now! (Well two) Do anyone go by a rule of thumb before going further into analyzing a property? The 50% rule or the 1% or 2% test? I have been using the 50% rule (Cash Flow = (Total Income * .5) - Mortgage P&I). I have been trying it a few properties just to get myself "in the game." Some of the properties that I do the 50% rule on come up with very little or negative cash flow. Should I dig deeper and figure out all the numbers and forget the 50% rule?

Also, how do I get more involved with BP and hang out? Especially if I do not have any questions or advice to give at the moment? I know on the podcasts they always say get on and hang out.