I would disagree with number 2 - in this environment, heavy rate buydowns are a common tool in the toolkit for lenders and borrowers to make deals work and are in no way indicative of "not being well-capitalized"

For analysis, you need to identify a market that interests you using tools like AirDNA, Mashvisor, Pricelabs, etc. 

Conservative debt is a tool to generate higher returns and build wealth.  

BP has various tools to help you analyze your deals (rentals, flips, wholesale, etc). : https://www.biggerpockets.com/investment-calculators7.

Debt is a great tool, but you have to be very careful with it.

Section 8 is a tool, not a cure-all.It can be a great program if you screen the tenants well. 

Although I have not yet purchased my first tax deed property, I have been spending a considerable amount of time researching the tax deed sale process and the tools that can be used to streamline the process as much as possible- one of those tools being PropertyOnion.com.The website seems to provide a wealth of knowledge for pretty much any property you'd like to research, and provides data that could be useful to a variety of RE investors.

Meanwhile these same service providers don't explain the legal process which ties into how the insurance coverage truly works let alone explain how to utilize additional insured status, indemnification clauses amongst many other tools at your disposal  because that is not a profitable business for these service providers to be in.

Specifically, I'm looking to use their Self-Directed IRA tool in effort to start investing in real state after retirement; Lord willing 2027. 

Quickbooks is great if you're looking for a tool to manage your own books.