What numbers or factors do I look for to say, "this property is gonna be really good, go up in value, cashflow nicely when my roommates move out in 2 years."

The downside is (1) compared with residential, comps used in appraisals are nowhere near as accurate, so the income approach is heavily relied on, which can produce huge swing in “valuation” depending on cap rates, interest rates, revenue swings, expense costs.

What tools or strategies to folks recommend to begin to analyze various markets? 

I'm curious, what technology or tools do you use for organizing, documenting, and tracking your business processes?

It allows contractors to communicate through the tools and it also tracks, reports and stores both material and labor expenses as they happen.

Zillow and any none real estate agent driven tool is always off.

This is a great place to learn and network.The site has quite a few tools that can be helpful for new members.

Hard money is a good tool with the right plan and property.

This is a great forum with very knowledgeable members that will help to guide you in the right direction.The site has quite a few tools that can be helpful for new members.

Joe do keep in mind in many of the nicer neighborhoods a cash flowing 4 plex is NOT worth what the SFR is worth so they would be going backwards in values..