I know that Bigger Pockets (and other companies) have online / cloud based services to calculate deals (ROI, IRR etc), however as I'm just starting out, I would like to understand the Math and details behind these tools.So I'm looking for advice of where to find a spreadsheet that will be detailed enough for me to calculate my potential deals. 

BM Cloud White OC-130 is my go to..if works with everything

Personally, if I retained a tenant for 13.5 years and was getting annual increases, the tenant took overall good care of the home, and didn't force me to chase rent, then I may be inclined to overlook a few things here or there.

I also recommend a contract for deed or land contract which would just put a cloud on title if it was recorded or sometimes they do not need to be recorded and this would avoid any fear of a due on sale clause.

I don't trust these cloud services with preserving such important info, I want a file on my PC.

Nothing to be thrilled about but no concerning storm clouds either. 

I’m a self starter and I like the flexibility of having everything cloud based but I don’t want to set myself up for a slow start to real estate.Any agents have thoughts about this?

@Jill LutzMaking decisions with high emotions often clouds our judgement.

Reading some other posts though, it seems like a lot of newbies have gotten burned when doing long distance for their first deal, and I'd feel much better if I could be there in person, walking properties, talking with local investors, etc.I'm trying not to let fear cloud my judgement, but should I wait until after I move to get started, or should I try my luck with long distance investing?

Cloud.