There are certainly some good ones out there but most of the time it takes quite a bit of trial and error to find them.

Finally,  there is no exact science ( as evidenced by the fact that you will probably have numerous opinion variations to this question and if you have 500 CPAs in a room and ask them, you will probably have 500 opinion) so the easiest way, if you are unsure and you prepare your own tax returns, I would keep it simple.  

There are other online databases that are more current but many of these are membership based - though some offer trial memberships so you can take a look around.

The formula we use to calculate ROI is as follows:ROI = ((Income - DebtService - ManagementFee - Insurance - RETax - PeriodicFees) x (1 - StateTax)) / ( DownPayment + ClosingCosts + RehabCost)While there could be dramatic differences in factors like maintenance, vacancy rates and such, I will keep it simple and only show the impact of variations in state income tax, property tax and insurance.Below are details on the example property I will use:• Purchase price $150,000• Rent: $1,000/Mo. or $12,000/Yr.• Financing: 20% down, 4.5% interest, 30 year term.

Ian great the at your young age you are interested in real estate career but  expect that to be in a top or success you must face some trials but just don't give up and make those experience to get more learnings.Start with in BP you will learn here by reading forums,success story and podcast so you have a plan before you go for a deal.The key is money,time,patience and don't give up.Good Luck and hoping for you to success.

It does cost but they have a fully functioning free trial.

Lots of trial and error. 

I see a lot of projects in places like Indianapolis, Cincinnati, & Charlotte and there can be variations in costs, especially on the material side.  

See what they offer, sign up and take them for a trial run, then settle on one.

I think this is a great new feature.http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/25/topics/80292-bp-update-73-launch-of-the-biggerpockets-forums-keyword-alert-systemI've just started using it and have put in about 20 key word alerts.I've put in a number of cities that interest me, including Dallas and Austin.I've put in a few variations of SD-IRA searches.