LLC's are still the way to go but yes you can't tap into owner occupied mortgage tools such as HELOC's or high leverage.

“Money goes where money is treated best.”Your future ability to attain and maintain financial freedom depends on the city where you invest.Investment TeamAn essential location selection criterion is an experienced local investment team.

Dealing with S8 tenants successfully requires proper screening.One of the best screening tools is to inspect their current home - how it looks is how yours will look within 90 days or less.

What are the best Bigger Pockets tools to use for profitability analysis?  

It appears to hold much year round potential with the right tactics and tools.

Is it from experience of there are tools out there that show numbers on specific areas?

They are essentially the same thing you are describing, but sharing an "expert opinion".I am also not a fan of how BiggerPockets itself is doing this same thing in the forum by posting blog posts and you don't have the ability to comment on the posting (because some times I disagree with the posting!) 

Chicago’s unpredictable weather can sometimes affect project schedules, so it’s essential to set estimated start and completion dates.

Or are you looking for more market analysis tools?

Once the above skills and tools are acquired, understanding the sequential process of the development along its timelines and costs needs to be correctly implemented.