Be sure to check out the free tools BP provides to help analyze deals you may have and also market insights.

I’ve come across options like the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), and Certified Property Manager (CPM) programs, but I’d love to hear opinions on which have been the most valuable in practice.Additionally, any recommendations for resources, books, tools, or online communities that have been helpful for day-to-day management would be appreciated!

Exit strategy and appreciation potential in a market like , PA, which is a smaller town with modest appreciation.4) is there any tools or metrics with average I can refer to to analyze this.Would love to hear thoughts from anyone familiar with similar markets or multifamily investments.

Your helping a lot of BP members with these detailed accounts.. its unfortunate that it comes at investors expense but its a great learning tool for newer folks.

I've heard that DealMachine is becoming the go-to tool for this kind of data, but I've also noticed some strong results coming from Crexi lately.It seems like Crexi has a more multifamily-focused platform, while DealMachine is often geared toward wholesalers.

@Vanessa LuleEstimating Occupancy Rates: AirDNA is a great tool, but it can sometimes be hard to verify actual occupancy.Hidden Costs in Monthly Expenses: Besides rent, utilities, and cleaning supplies, don’t forget to budget for:- Maintenance and Repairs: Minor wear and tear costs add up, especially in short-term rentals.- Platform Fees: Airbnb and Vrbo charge around 3% per booking.- Furnishings and Decor: High-quality, durable items are worth the initial investment.- Insurance: Short-term rental insurance (beyond renters') can protect you from guest-related risks.- Licensing or Permits: Check if your area requires permits, as some cities have fees for short-term rental operators.Breakeven Analysis: To calculate your breakeven occupancy rate, add all monthly expenses (rent, utilities, cleaning, insurance, etc.).

Cleveland and Lubbock are both good options to explore, but also consider areas with strong job sectors, like Indianapolis or parts of the Southeast.Researching Demographics: Tools like Placer.ai, Costar, and Data USA offer insights on demographics, migration trends, income, and market growth.

Quickly analyze deals using tools like BiggerPockets calculators.Look for good locations, below-market prices, value-add potential, and positive cash flow.

I am learning but am struggling to tie tools, etc, together to understand a deal.  

I agree with @Jonathan Greene here that the first step is thinking through what to do with the primary residence - you might try this tool that I built a few months ago to analyze whether you should keep or sell the primary residence!