I use Facebook marketplace as my way of marketing my rentals.

But usually section 8 is the same or slightly above market rents.

In this market, with interest rates and prices at where they are, they're usually not viable (i.e. don't cash flow).

I would recommend you focus on a couple neighborhoods that you would like to live in; and familiarize yourself with that market.  

In 2024, I focused on the Charlotte, NC market, completing 21 deals in my first year of taking consistent action.

If you're in a high-cost area, consider out-of-state markets where you could buy a rental property outright. 

Spring may be better but I was unable to sell a cheap house in October for 5% off of “market value” and only sold a $600k home in January by listing it for $580k and I still only got one offer. ($150k down, 5 year seller financing.) my point being you may get $20-$40k more in a year if you don’t need to sell. 

Quote from @Chantel Holsather: I am always an advocate if you can fix up a property to make it more marketable, that is really the way to go.

Are you looking at investing in Birmingham or other markets?

If you aren't an excel expert I wouldn't bother trying to make your own or scour the internet for an analyzer tool that may or may not meet your needs.