My current goal is to transform my professional Excel budgeting tools into an AI-powered app to streamline day-to-day property management, particularly for financial operations.

First, most investors and owners of real estate related businesses are in one or more of the following situations1- they’re unable to duplicate their expertise that drives the ROI and they are at their personal max capacity as to time2- they’re obtaining high ROI by use of excessive leverage 3 - they’re obtaining high ROI by taking excessive risk4- they hit correct timing in the correct market, and this is not necessarily repeatable with any probabilityIn order for an investment or business to scale, we need the ROI (on a risk adjusted basis) to be sufficient to cover a PREMIUM risk adjusted return to passive investors; all expenses of managing the assets and the business, and a significant return to the “sponsor” providing compensation to him making the work, risk and time worth while. 

(example - STR on the back end to increase cash flow)To me, forced apperception (BRRRR or buying at a discount) is a hedge against market corrections.

@Erik Estrada is absolutely correct that working with a broker usually leads to a better rates and fees.

Tools that I see to analyze deals: Zillow, rent websites, craigslist what other tools do you recommend?  

E.th. you mention in the post is correct. 

What tools can we use to analyze the rental potential in other neighborhoods?

Check out the Life Planner by Lucky Life Tools.  

Correct, the idea would be to owner-occupy one of the units (I’m looking at 2-4 unit options).

@Anthony Angotti Correct!