Multi is your best bet.

Rookie question: what is your calculation for cash on cash return?

@Inna Chernyak  The numbers in my example aren't based on any specific deal but are rather a pastiche of other investor summaries I've seen, rounded around to make the numbers easy to calculate.

Its important to note that the rent from the 3 units is added to your income to qualify (less advantageous calc method)  and is not used to offset the mortgage (more advantageous calculation).Also you have two current loans outstanding VA loans that have 67% of your 667k limit tied up.

Unexpected cash calls, short occupancy periods, higher and higher turnover costs are very common when investing out of state - especially when the buyer is looking for higher cash flow.Cash flow is a calculation.  

I have plenty of powerful spreadsheets, but also looking for something simple in the palm of my hand for when I'm no the go, driving for dollars, etc.Anything out there that you'd recommend?

That will be your best bet.

If your primary focus is to flip housing then a hard/private money lender is your best bet. 

I started looking at SFH but then I calculated how many houses I would need to buy to make decent money. 

Matt Berklacy Your best bet is to get your salesperson license and hang your hat at a brokerage that allows investorsThen you can get access, put I.