I started my domain over 10 years ago when people first started going online trying to buy fixer upper houses.

For something more robust, tools like Excel or online calculators from financial planning sites might better suit your needs.Your ROI Formula:ROI = (Net Cash Flow ÷ Total Out-of-Pocket Investment) × 100For your scenario:Net Cash Flow = Annual Rental Income - (Mortgage Payment + 401k Loan Payment + Other Expenses)Total Out-of-Pocket Investment = $40,000 cash + $50,000 loan payments over 5 years.I came across a piece in Bloomberg recently discussing creative financing, and they touched on ROI calculations for multiple loans.Personal anecdote: A buddy of mine leveraged a 401k loan for a fourplex.

All the markets you mentioned are solid choices for affordability and long-term growth potential.If you’re looking to narrow it down, consider Indianapolis or Columbia, SC, as both have strong rental demand, landlord-friendly laws, and stable economies.

Plus, they handle online rent collection (a necessity if you don't have a property manager!)

For me, a Heloc would be my choice over a loan.

I am seeing quotes around $120k which would put that cost per square foot around $600 which seems a lot compared to what I have seen/read online The reason your cost per square foot is so high is you still have to add all the things a regular house has but in a smaller space.

Microsoft Excel, and most budget or free online bookkeeping isn't going to cut it in this situation.For the rental properties you own directly, I often tell clients and prospects that a P&L in Microsoft Excel is just fine and a balance sheet is not necessary for tax purposes. 

If you choose an online program, ask how much access you have to the coach.

I began inviting them to online zoom meetings I would hold with brokers, agents and investors... friends I had made along the way, where we would just talk strategy, loan types, current market trends etc.

In most states they must be published in a local paper which all are online.