Where to get the most recent and accurate data for things like:Unemployment dataPopulation growthJob diversity and top employers in the areaVacancy rates (eg huduser.org)Property taxes and jnsurance costsI saw bp pro and reventure and a bunch of other websites provide some of this data, but i wonder how accurate and recent it is.

I find that it's almost a one stop shop in that I can use it for my business checking and savings accounts, bookkeeping, for rent collection, I can issue virtual credit card, I can create all the financial reports I need to run my real estate business and prepare for tax filing and through their partners I can vet my tenants, develop state-specific leases and more.

Here’s the situation:Purchase Price: $540,000Down Payment: 20%Mortgage Rate: 7.125% (30-year fixed)Monthly Expenses (Mortgage, HOA, Taxes, Insurance): $3,706Realistic Max Rent: $3,000As you can see, I’m currently short $706/month even with max rent.

Do you have a current need for that cash flow generated from the tax savings?

The cashflow should cove ALL of the expenses for the primary (mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, etc) AND put money in their pocket.

This allows you to use all of the tax and deferred depreciation recapture to purchase the larger MF propertyA consolidation exchange is where you sell multiple investment properties to purchase a larger and nicer investment property, but you also get the benefit of using all of the tax you would have had to pay to your advantage.

Again, consult your tax accountant. 

As U.S. citizens residing in Europe, we are required by the local tax code to hold the property in our personal name.

. --- We were sued many years ago, along with the owner, because tenant claimed owner's contractor sexually assaulted them!

You have the ability to sell while limiting your capital gains tax because you lived in 2 of the last 5 years.