How to analyze comps

[Darren Finney]

Hello, I'm new and going to be starting out with Real Estate Investing after I retire from the Marine Corps in a few months. I've been doing alot of homework and listening to podcasts but one thing I've not been able to determine yet is how you guys are analyzing your comps. What makes a house a comparable house to yours, and how do you find them? Is there a tool out there somewhere that allows you to see these, or do you have to have access to the MLS?

Maybe I'm way overthinking this and it's as simple as finding the same style home with same bedrooms/bathrooms and figuring out the square footage.  I'd be relieved if that were the case!

Thanks!

Darren