As in all investments, it's about crunching some numbers. 

Do your due diligence and crunch the numbers, but don't box yourself into a strict ROI just yet. 

Lower property taxes. lower mortgage, lower cleaning fees.After crunching numbers, we are looking at similar profits with #2 being slightly higher.

Anybody else using any different software or apps to crunch numbers?

Crunch your own.

When you're crunching the numbers make sure you consider that you're absorbing the utility costs, etc.

This is a somewhat common discussion topic.You can absolutely find loans that will just finance the renovation work on a property - especially if you aren't under a time crunch and already own the property. 

The life policy can help you weather credit crunches like real estate crashes as well.

I had a bunch of properties I was considering for my 1031, and was on a time crunch - almost went with a different market.The same day I contacted them, Loretta went out and did FaceTime from the properties we narrowed down earlier in the day.

When crunching the numbers, you may want to explore alternative value add strategies that may be a better allocation of resources depending on your market and property makeup (i.e. adding bedrooms, adding garages, other capital improvements, etc.)