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

MTR arbitrage is a useful tool to have in your tool chest, and like all tools, it has its uses along with its positives and negatives.MTR: Medium-term rental (usually between 1-12 months)Arbitrage: renting from another landlord and *with their permission* renting out that unit to a third party, hopefully at a profit.

You're spot on about security deposits being a practical tool to mitigate risk, especially with applicants who have checkered rental histories.

Unless I think I can time the market, I am going to keep deploying my cash in something better than that.I am also bearish on treasuries, which I think will generally see yields rise (and values decline) on anything with longer maturities (yield curve normalization and long term downward pressure on the ratings/"safety" of US gov't debt).

I’d appreciate any feedback on whether tools like this would be valuable or if other concerns take priority.

We use Key Data Dashboard, a superior analytics tool used by property managers, DMO's and similar organizations.

I think I am on a path to recovery, ready to check out the market tools to finally pick and market and find some deals!

If you really don't value your agent's ability and think you can do it better, it's likely best that you 1) interview more to find one that you do trust, 2) go through the listing agent, directly, if you're that comfortable with handling your side on your own, or 3) maybe get your license so you can control your side of negotiations with the proper tools needed (MLS access with agent info, showings, contracts, tax records, uploaded listing docs like surveys, disclosures, broker assistance for questions, etc.).

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

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"