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

.- Consider using tools like the BiggerPockets calculators to run numbers and see what kind of cash flow you can expect from different types of properties.1.

Their time and experience is valuable, and most do want to help, but are busy like everyone else.Starting out is the hardest, because weldon't lack motivation, we tend to lack clarity on what we are trying to accomplish.

I have way too many tools/supplies for an apartment and a very high drive German Shepherd.

They ended up selling at a loss and learned a valuable lesson the hard way.If you wouldn't feel comfortable living in the area, then why invest there?

If you have commercial experience and are an excellent asset manager (managing the property manager, driving revenue, reducing expenses,  managing GCs)You wont just provide value to a sponsorYou will be highly sought-after after by sponsorship groups.The ones worth their salt know how incredibly valuable a strong asset manager is (and how much work it takes)So if you can bring that skillset, I have a feeling it won't take long for you to find a sponsorship team. 

You can find it at the top of your screen under “Pick Markets” and use either the market finder tool or the spreadsheet.

are there any tools or solutions you wish you had but don’t?

Utilize Off-Market DealsOff-market deals are valuable because there’s less competition and potentially better terms: Direct Mail Campaigns: Send targeted mail to owners of distressed, vacant, or inherited properties.

The 70% rule can be a good indicator—but not the only tool—used to make a decision on a fix and flip.