Tools like the BiggerPockets calculator and books like The House Hacking Strategy can guide you further.

As one might expect, there is a real tool here but it's more for niche problems than for widespread use.

Quote from @Tod DuBois: Looks like everyone is using some software tools for various tasks, I'd not heard of most of them.

Beyond immediate safety concerns, the long-term financial implications, including taxes, are a pressing issue for those impacted by the disaster.

Those that cannot weather the storm get wiped out.Having cashflow positive properties provides a margin of safety you just do not have with negative cashflow.Why are you focused on buying in your backyard? 

Just make sure you draft an operating agreement that outlines responsibilities and expectations.For financing, and if you choose to go through an LLC, DSCR loans will be a great tool.

All of the tools that you use to try to figure out if a potential tenant will be a "good" tenant revolves around trying to answer those 3 questions.

all materials, all labor costs to others, Not you, utilities, interest payments, permits, licenses, auto/truck expenses, tools needed are all deductable. 

* Finally, could you recommend any valuable tools or learning resources?

I view it as a tool in a toolbox to help you "trim the fat" off the bottom of your portfolio, so you can keep growing with new acquisitions.