I like to use data, coming from an engineering background, and I see the data and trends over history, this can be used as a guide only to help with investment decisions (it’s not a guarantee but another tool to use). 

I'm an engineer by degree so a methodological, data driven approach was important to me.  

Now in most cases the same renovation will require an engineer report, and full architectural drawings….I recently had to obtain structural drawings and complete special inspections for a rear trex deck….Just a few examples of costs someone will incur flipping a house in Philly.

Quote from @Michael Torku: I'm a software engineer getting into the world of real estate investing.

I now get monthly emails with updates to my home's estimated value, along with metrics such as how much rental income the property could generate.Their pricing algorithm is a blackbox to me, so I can't endorse the product.

In any case, BP posts rank high in search engines and I can't think of anything this thread can do for his business if someone does even a modicum of due diligence. 

We have invested a considerable amount already into the to-be-built plans, architects, engineers, etc.  

The computer algorithms provided by Zillow, Rentometer, and others are good for reviewing a general market, but you shouldn't rely on them to evaluate a specific house.

I have too many expensive degrees and this is the one way I imagine that I can really contribute to the family's finances because of my expertise in finance, engineering, construction, etc. 

I have a friend who is a software engineer who is on his fourth note.