For similar reasons you mentioned with access to both I70 and I90 pretty easily as well as being in range for the eastern sea board makes it a logistics hub.  

It would be our preference to invest in upstate NY because we could drive there relatively easily, but if there are better deals elsewhere, we would be more inclined to go with option (1).Hi Bethany, if you're investing in NY, unfortunately the price range is crazy high and you won't find any cash flow.

If I am self managing my portfolio, what do I need to check/confirm, and what easily available tools are at my disposal (online, other) to help me do this? 

With e-filing systems in most county courts, you can DIY file and complete evictions relatively easily, especially if tenant doesn't show up.

The landlord across the street rented to him AFTER I was granted a writ by the court and just two days before his move out date with my eviction easily viewable in court records???!!!!

So, an investor could easily cashflow right away.Those days are over.Landlording is a long-term play.

Landlords can easily do it without a mortgage but they are taking a huge risk.

I think our modeling has adapted to market changes over the years, so we've stuck with Excel as we can easily change the parameters to keep it "fresh".

Will cash flow $128.79 according to the BP rent calculator, and will easily comp out at $235,000

Or one that can be easily adapted?