Calculators that smooth out the timing of capex/maintenance/vacancy etc. aren't meant to be a literal depiction of return or timing.

The 2x2 unit depicted in these pics had been rented for $1,250.

Also only use the last 1-2 months of comps to get an accurate depiction of ARV at the moment.

When, where and how "well" you buy the property depicts the ammount of money you will need to put down (if any) in order to have that positive cash flow.

Bmore isn't as corrupt as David Simon depicted?  

As Charles Parrish depicted in his example, be clear of the value and terms, etc.  

All of those shows are scripted, and I know first-hand how the producers like to exaggerate (and that's being generous) the profits depicted. 

If you haven't watched American Greed, it episodes depict Bernie Madoff style rip offs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Madoff).

I'd look for something 2013 or later, because I would definitely want something with a chapter on the recession, what we learned, how it played out, and what we as a society did about it.That last bit, "what we as a society did about it," is rarely depicted or discussed in popular culture (aside from bit--ing about how hard it is to get a mortgage now-a-days).

@Brandon Hall,Again, the total scenario cannot be easily summarized, though it can be depicted graphically.