Start by analyzing cash flow and market demand for each property to decide which one to rent out.

Since then, we have been dedicating our time to learning as much as possible—reading extensively, analyzing potential deals, and listening to BiggerPockets podcasts.After careful consideration, we decided to sell our current home and rent instead, allowing us greater flexibility as we begin our real estate investment journey.

I haven't sold yet, I've been analyzing property to get a head start on the 45-day timeline of identifying the potential replacement property (and because I enjoy analyzing property). 

Granted there is a cost in hiring an agent, Having someone analyze each deal with localized knowledge is worth its weight in gold.

What kind of tool did you use to analyze all that?

I want to become really good at analyzing deals, and determine the markets I should focus on.Are there any resources aside from this forum (books, journals, news publications, podcasts) that you recommend I use to learn more?

To get started, connect with a knowledgeable real estate agent and lender, practice analyzing deals, and network through local investor meetups.

This is something I try to live by and teach my kids if I can - "A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.

Are you asking about how to analyze the numbers for a deal?

Or we gradually perform high-quality updates for a live-in flip, then roll the equity into a new home.Regarding rental income, we aim to boost income, lower our effective tax rate by generating more low tax-drag income with rental income (since there’s not much we can do to lower out W2 tax bills) and have retirement cash flow.To compare the financial impact over 10-20 years, we want to analyze renting versus flipping.