For example, if you have a tenant prospect, is there an online resource where a past landlord may have noted a prospect as a "bad apple?"  

I can definitely see what you're saying as far as using only numbers might have me comparing apples to oranges, if that's all I'm using.

We have used and recommended Apple Bass (http://www.applebass.com/) for a few dozen property purchases in Tampa over the last 5 years.

Pay attention to the construction, the drawer tracks, etc. and make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

I currently have about 15 gallons of apple cider fermenting in my kitchen.

Fact of the matter is, macro factors are such a large consideration that unless there are very specific companies (like Apple) that can outperform markets, ETFs are very good way to gain exposure to a variety of asset classes.I have a little piggy bank from my old job that is like my "if I were homeless" fund.

In other words do you make apples to apples comparisons for different loan types for figuring out which is the best option?

If you compare the two properties (the one in Texas with the one in Alabama), the cost to rent ratio is huge, At first glace you can tell that from a cash flow perspective, the Birmingham property is a sure bet, however there are many other factors that would show that in the long run, the Texas property may turn to be a better long term investment ( Age, neighbourhood, type of renters, potential appreciation, saleability, etc).Many times where you have two different properties in two different states that rent for a similar amount, you are still comparing apples to oranges for the reasons mentioned above

I like the Pflugerville area because of Dell, General Motors, Apple and Samsung are so close.I can definitely answer any questions you may have about investing in those areas :)Cheers to investing!

It's so funny to hear people shy away from non-cashflowing investments who would have loved to buy Apple stock in 1990, or any of the other famous tech stocks.