I would suggest driving around to different areas of our city and make notes on areas that fit your model. 

My kitchen table is in my living room covered with desk and studio items.  

Yes, don't key off the best school districts, key off the best deals that have the numbers that will work for your model.

check out adventures in CRE .com they have free models that will show you a list of inputs you need.

As you begin evaluating different metros and opportunities for your first properties some metrics that can be helpful are items like population growth, job growth, rent growth and job diversification.

I learned the cost of big-ticket items such as roofing, windows, and flooring.

this is a great question and very important item that probably gets glossed over. 

I can't speak to the specific tax consequences, but this is a very common business model for people that own both the real estate and business that occupies it.

Think about the following items A) How much do you want to spend(Can be less than you are eligible to borrow).

Do any of you levy a fee on your tenants for these items?