Then you can start reading more in-depth books.

This should be very helpful:How I Analyze a Rental Property (in-depth video from Brandon!)

Shoot me a PM - would love to talk more in-depth. 

However, I also have in depth experience with fix and flip, assignments, etc.  

Keep in mind, however, that some reports (depending on their depth) may cost a nominal fee each time you run them.

We've some research but haven't gotten very in-depth at this point.

Once he has the average cost per category for the 5 categories he's chosen, he'll compare each local category cost to the national average (which I believe he's getting from home advisor possibly a more in-depth service).4) He takes the difference between the local average and the national average, and then averages the difference.

Awesome post David, thank you.I think Jim Grant said it well when referring to treasuries, he called them "return free risk" ;)  It's so true though, price discovery is out the window when the cost of money, or one half of every transaction, is manipulated.  

Thanks everyone for so many in-depth responses. 

I am also interested in learning more in depth what goes on behind scenes in real estate financing.