I want to start analyzing multi-family deals, what tools?

[Hector Naranjo]

I want to start analyzing multi-family deals, what tools should I go for? Are there any free tools? or are there some that require a monthly pay but are worth it to purchase? I keep hearing Branden saying to analyze, analyze and analyze again and I get it. Now I just need to know which tools to begin with?  I noticed that there is additional info available to agents that are not readily available for the public on zillow or realtor.com, anyway to access this info?

[Shawn Ackerman]

@Hector Naranjo I'd suggest even before paying for any tools, Create an excel spread sheet that factors in all of the expenses i.e. repairs 5%, Capex 10%, Vacancy 7%, Taxes(get from assessors site), Insurance(get quote from broker), management 10%(even if you are self managing), landscaping/snow(depending on market) and utilities. Thrown all of that at the gross rent and calculate your NOI and ultimately your cap rate. Fair to say you are familiar with NOI and Cap Rate?