Feel free to PM me if you'd like to connect and troubleshoot a bit deeper.  

We currently use a google spreadsheet that pulls in MLS info and Zillow info automatically and it auto-populates ARV using 90% of the Zestimate (I know...yuck...but it's at least a quick and dirty number that enables us to know if we want to dig deeper).  

The cherry on top is the deeper business relationship I'm establishing with the couple.  

It sounds like I'll hold off digging deeper on this sort of thing until I have more experience under my belt.

I chose to do it slightly differently to avoid a Heloc or 2nd mortgage encumbrance, so far I've paid zero interest and my numbers are going to be triple what your parents expect to spend.I have a credit forum if you or your parents would like to dig deeper but the basic brush strokes are these.1.

If you decide to go forward with a deeper analysis then you can call your own insurance company and get a quote, come up with your future capex based on the age of the property and prior replacements.

It's better to mail deeper (7 times to one person rather than once to 7 people).

However, if everything on your side of the street is zoned LR1 there might be a deeper reason behind that.

So with Realtors fees you'll have to dig deeper into your pocket to get out of the deal.  

I don't want to delve too deeply into the thing if it's not a wise move for someone completely new to the game to take on an apartment building.