Investing in real estate in places like NYC or other high cost markets is a game exclusive to the upper middle class and wealthy.

Rentometer for automated valuationsCheck current listings in HotPads, Craigslist, Oodle, newspapers -- if 5+ unit try LoopnetCall For Rent signs you see in that area of townCheck out property management websites; they typically have all of their available units listed onlineOne way to get a baseline is to check Section 8 government website for the areaHave a realtor run rental comps for you

Identify a few neighborhoods, subscribe to local newspapers and social media sites.

I acquired an absolutely beautiful 2 family in Brighton back in February, but I have a bit of a problem...The house has exclusively electric heat. 

Tenant shall irrigate and maintain any surrounding grounds, including lawns, and shrubbery, and keep the same clear of trash or weeds, if such grounds are a part of the Property and are exclusively for the use of the Tenant unless otherwise agreed herein. . ."

The gain related to a primary residance portion of the duplex is sheltered via section 121 gain exclusion. 

We lived in it from 2009-2015, and have been renting it out the past 2 1/2 years - so we won't have to pay capital gains tax on the sale - since we pass the 2/5 year test and the $500K exclusion test. 

I use the Toto exclusively now.

That way I could focus exclusively on RE at that time when cash will be king!!!

If you have second bank account and credit card account, if not, open new accounts, and use them exclusively for rental transactions.