Crunch the numbers...

As to the analysis, I would be crunching the numbers based on easily found data... just calculating average rental, costs, etc, CoC, NROI, etc.

How I do this personally and for my clients is that after filtering out properties (as described above), I crunch the numbers in a proforma format.  

Actually it can't be overstated that you should be meeting with them a lot.. you want to work WITH them, and not AGAINST them.Lots of number crunching.. and there's other ways to make money from it too - could consider wholesaling.. yes.. wholesaling a commercial site.

I love meeting like-minded people, problem solving, networking, connecting others, crunching numbers, talking business, and starting my day with a good workout (I have monthly and annual goals with that, too).I look forward to engaging more and more on this site, to meeting and/or e-meeting many of you.

Once they do that, then yes, I'd suggest crunching the numbers and making sure the deal makes sense. 

We crunched our number for materials, labor, etc.Also spoke to my bank to refi (this was cash buy) after 4-6 weeks of closing and getting paperwork ready. 

Just identify your business plan and the type of investment property you want to invest in, the class of property and class of renter, if you want turnkey or to do some work, and stop over thinking, crunch your numbers and get going.

However, I have a house in KC and once you crunch the numbers it didn't make as much sense to rent a 1bd apt above the garage vs renting it as one.

We have an MLS setup with criteria, and using the steps i learned here the plan had been to get as many of the key numbers crunched (cash flow, cash flow per unit, estimated offer price,etc) prior to asking for a showing, and just use the showing to confirm repair costs,etc.