Figured you guys could probably point me towards a data provider that would have city level data exportable to excel so you can manipulate it.

Tempe is quarterly by default.

How do we stay 3 steps ahead of those that try to manipulate the rankings".

I recommend QuickBooks Online (at least Plus):1) QBO can be set up/manipulated to track flips and rentals separately as well as each property and entity individually all under one subscription.2) QBO has a better bank feed system than other software due to their secure relationship with a ton of banks.

How many hours will the CPA spend manipulating data in Excel vs just producing reports from Quickbooks?  

@Carlos Ptriawan or the price of the home is too high, but yes the down payment is something he can manipulate unless you talk them down, that and your interest rate will determine his payment, of course asking around so you can get a lower mortgage @Dominic Holt I rent per room on both my properties and include utilities.

Spending all that cash and to have it tied into one deal presents a poor ROI.That property is in the Sunnyslope area and I'd rather take that 160k and buy a single family in North Peoria, Gilbert or Chandler, Scottsdale, or Tempe.

I've been temped to move myself but knew I could create opportunities in my backyard.

Once you spell out the process upfront the contractors who are running game will go elsewhere before they even start knowing they can't manipulate the systems in place.

HELOC temp solution,  then you get the sec 121 exclusion and if you did a rental you can combine it with 1031 as well and at that point you really have funds to scale up.