I guess I'm not looking to do an in-depth analysis of each property that I look at, but I'm looking for a standard risk factor that I could (roughly) put into my numbers that would account for the risks that I would take with a mortgage rather than paying with cash (that would roughly account for all the things you mentioned... loss of income, economic changes, market risks, competition, etc.).What I'm getting is that it's hard to quantify risk, but if you conservatively estimate all your other expenses, then you should be okay on the risk side.

Then you can read a more in-depth book like The Book On Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner or The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing by Spencer Strauss.2.

Next determinant is depth and width of lots.

Thanks Ramsey, I've been looking at that option but I can't find any information that explains that process in depth.  

I'll have to get more in depth on that with you at the next meetup!

More than happy to schedule a call with you to discuss more in-depth.

This would also identify water table depth, soil liquefaction, soil expansivity (soil that expands or shrinks), or soil chemical content.

Next summer they are even stepping up the requirements for these systems reducing the allowable distance between groundwater and the leach line depth.

Asking many questions and interviewing as many PMs as possible will give you the best breadth and depth of information to make the best, most well-informed decision.Please feel free to PM me should you have any other questions.All the best!

The benefits that will come from it will be the connections that you make within the program, the mindset/paradigm shift that you will have, the education that will go in depth and focus on your specific needs.