I have a deal I need some analysis on.

There's a lot that really should go on around it, but that's the core of it.That's enough to make you very dangerous because I don't have the time / room here to give you the content of the five or so 8-hour classes where that instruction is contained (Tax and Legal I & II, Self Directed Retirement Accounts, Private + Hard Money, Property Analysis).Again, spend some quality time here on BP.

Is there certain metrics/data/numbers people are using to do preliminary analysis on different markets?

You need to do your own analysis on what the revenues and expenses are today and what you expect to see over the next 5 years in your modeling using conservative assumptions.  

From a potential downside vs upside analysis should he give the money back... if I could get the release letter, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Wrote this BP blog post today on a useful app for doing quick-and-dirty data visualizations and analysis (one of the visualizations is shown below), inspired by my own efforts analyzing Milford's online sales database, thought this forum might find it interesting.

Is there anything in particular you all look for other than the usual mission statement, market analysis, comps, exit strategies, etc that instills confidence in the person you're investing with?

It is always recommended you include Property Management in your analysis (even if you are self managing).  

Always remember, especially in the beginning, do the math analysis and try to look before you make an offer to purchase a property or at least have a clause in the sales contract that allows you to make a detailed inspection of the subject property (about 10 days) and possibly back out of the deal without a penalty that hurts you too much.  

   Is there somewhere on Bigger Pockets that I can analyze properties other than the calculators and where I could receive feedback and collaborate with other members in identifying  great deals?