These offer cloud accounting systems that are simple to use yet offer great analytics and data backup.  

Even though I live on the left coast, I work with a superb real estate agent and flip homes in Florida.  

However, I've worked in the mortgage industry since 2001, primarily in the secondary market (i.e. mortgage bond trading, analytics, rating securitized mortgage bonds).

I have great respect for the analytical mind; perhaps some time with a mentor could help you advance your plan.

I am very analytical on every deal.

For the past 6mos or so, I've been actively pursuing real estate investing - specifically in the so cal market.In my pursuit, I've been geekishly testing a range of data/analytical models for evaluating real estate from the national to county to city to zip code, neighborhood, and even .25mi radius search (and neighborhood block) levels!

I'm over analytical at heart, and even though this only takes a few minutes to whip up, I'm still curious what everyone else does and if there are more efficient alternatives.

When you sign up for a gmail account or Google Analytics you usually receive a $100 Free Ad Words campaign.

See this is why you need to do in depth analytical data on commercial property because even if it looks good on paper you got to crunch the numbers and see if overall if it's a good investment.And Jon as far as 100% financing you think he can get that?

I would ALSO highly recommend 2-6 unit buildings for anyone who does their own management and wants to have superb cashflow should their day-job tank...this is something that LS is very supportive of, but I'm assuming it's not a strategy they would recommend until they get to know the individual better and are comfortable they could handle the responsibility.