@Luisito EspanolaIf you are self-employed with no employees, look into opening a solo 401k as it will allow you to reduce your taxable income by as much as $53,000 or $59,000 if you are age 50 or older.

What other screening methods are you using?

I like casting a wide net vs using one or two methods exclusively.Happy hunting!

Please let me know if you are aware of other method to aquire investment properties. 

They do have some very talented employees who remain committed to their jobs and running into these people can be either a nightmare or a very pleasant dream, depending on what's going on with the client.But I was a little amazed recently when I had a client who was a flipper where the income would have clearly been self employment income.  

Quickly into active income: is self-employment income based on gross?

Your crossing into unchartered waters in many a facet, and, although I follow the method to your madness, the deal sounds like a dog with fleas.

Craigslist is probably better because you can see what others are asking for similar properties in the area.But, in my opinion, the absolute best method to determine optimal rental price is historical data, which is only available on MLS.

This means that as of now my goals are very general: to learn more about RE investing, determine solid methods for purchasing without my own money (b/c I'm a poor college student), how to get my business off the ground, and wholesaling as a starting point. 

I just want to always be honing my method of calculating numbers because that is the hardest, most subjective and most critical part of the deal.Any advice would be appreciated.