The gradings (A-F), are fairly accurate, but not worth the monthly fee.I haven't used the PinPointProfits, but it seems like "+DealDog."

G'Day Matt,You can only do so much with online research.IMO the online stats and demographics often times don't paint the correct picture.This especially tends to be the case for tertiary markets.Finding folks on the ground that "live and breath" the market is your key to success.Those folks on the ground are the one's that bring the "online stats and demographics" to life per se.They will know more accurately what's going on in their local market pretty much on a daily basis.I've always said that you can research online and find a market that has the best growth and cashflow potential.Find a property for a great price and on a great street and in a great area.But if your property manager or contractor are incompetent or cheats.You will loose money.So start with finding the right people first before finding the right market or deal.Just my opinion.Thanks 

@Lloyd PreeceRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

If the software is not simplifying your life or making you more accurate, you shouldn't use it.

Jeff, I know it's been awhile since we've chatted and I've massively improved my online resources for everything you listed here... neighborhoods, PM's, accurately running numbers, etc.Happy to email that stuff over if you want.

If the software is not simplifying your life or making you more accurate, you shouldn't use it.

There are plenty of you out therePaul is very accurate though.The one person that create so many market volatility and divergences is just one person.

Minor tweaks to the assumptions can cause wild variations in the calculated returns.The proforma is NOT God.If one steps backs and considers the notion any of us have a solid accurate idea what the world national local economy or interest rates or the real estate market in general will be like in 5 to 10 to 15 years are a heck of a lot smarter than I. 

If the software is not simplifying your life or making you more accurate, you shouldn't use it.Software does have extremely helpful features like online payments, marketing syndication (click a button and your property is advertised on multiple sites), electronic document review/signing, maintenance tracking, and owner reports.

@Forest WuRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.