I created a big spreadsheet, and find lending data goes stale every few months as rates and terms change. 

Real estate is great but at this point in Nashville (I've been here for 10 years) I think the entry point is pretty high for someone who isn't handy or wants to be fairly hands off.

Good Morning BP members,1st contract.  1870's home, exterior projects:Renovate the existing open front entry porch, to increase the size and add a hip roof.New large deck (11' x 28' and 8' off ground) switchback stairs.All new siding to match.Fyi - The age of the house (not the location) is historic.

For STRs... what's the best way to gather the data on utilities, pest control, pool cleaning, general maintenance, etc...?

Terry Burger a close friend and associate of mine is a self-proclaimed data geek and his super power is understanding the retail consumer and how to find opportunities in current data trends.

If you want to be really conservative I would say notify them of entry and go back in 24 hours but frankly if they unit is mostly empty take pictures, they are probably gone.   

Both were/are live in flips that get reappraised around October once the flips are done and the market has received all the data it needs to value them.

Analysis, Analysis, Analysis- Make your decisions based on data, not hunches (unless you have some kind of inside information). 95% of the time you will be able to find market data to support or not support an investment.

It’s often mentioned that there are stable markets with lower entry price - Columbus, Prescott, most anywhere in the Midwest.  

The sellers market is cooling off a bit and we will be seeing data coming in from evictions/foreclosures in very near future.