I am far from knowing all there is to know, but can't help but feel like being a buyer here with a healthy budget is just an invitation to be signed up with realtors' MLS without them having to do much of anything until we find a property that makes sense after dozens of drivebys, rental market research, etc.

Also from folks that didnt move but grew up there.Thanks and Stay Healthy,David

Hello,I hope everyone is staying healthy during this pandemic.

The analysis stage is the most critical part of what we do – gain a very clear understanding of how to do it the right way.Some of the terminology that you need to have very good understanding is:CAP Rate (what it is, when it’s used, and how)GRM (what it is, when it’s used, and how)DSCR (what it is, when it’s used, and for what purpose)Cash on CashNOICash flowKnowing all these and more is mandatory to be able to put a healthy transaction together.

The same article also had best cash flow list:Those focused on getting a healthy flow of rental income from the get-go might want to cut this list out and put it on the wall: Cleveland, OH, at 11.1%Columbia, SC, at 9.7 %Birmingham, AL, at 8.5%Pittsburgh, PA, at 8.4%Milwaukee, WI, at 8.4%Cincinnati, OH, at 8.2%Memphis, TN, at 8%Greenville, SC, at 8%Tampa, FL, at 8%Philadelphia, PA, at 8%

I think this is healthy.  

Prudent investment property located in strong and healthy markets will provide cash flow, good rates of return, and equity/wealth over the years.Regarding your "search" to find good deals, the MLS is certainly one option, but the MLS represent only a limited universe of properties available to you as an investor.

Everyone knows that they should eat healthy, but how many American are actually eating healthy LOL. 1.

Hope you and your family have a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Insert a healthy vacancy rate & reserves into your calculations.