Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcast If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

In most of the articles and books I'm reading on buying rental properties, they use Cash on Cash ROI to calculate if something is a good deal, and typically they compare it to the stock market (makes sense, if I can get a better ROI from the stock market I'd rather put my money there).

Hi @Donna Hutchinson -- let me know if you have any questions about tenant screening, I am very familiar with the topic.

Hopefully this article will shed more light for you on some of the other metrics: https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/10850/79257-deciphering-syndication-investment-terminologyBest!

No matter where you live or where you own assets, I personally recommend the Series LLC to be a great tool for the individual investor who is planning to expand their operation, as it allows for you to scale infinitely for FREE- check out this article to learn more.The fourth pillar is somewhat similar - you want to separate your operations from your assets.

@Steven ParksIt appears you are pursuing this topic on multiple forum threads. 

Perhaps one with strong real estate knowledge, but also one who can advise my wife and I on a variety of other topics, including but not limited to her 401k, stock investments, college funds/trust funds for our 5 children, etc?

There is a similar thread for negative cash flow which has gained a lot of traction in the forums: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/698492-negative-cashflow-on-rental-property.

Here's Part 1 of my story:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/55/topics/690349-from-bankruptcy-to-1-000-units-part-1-thru-the-dark-tunnelNow after reading that story, don't feel bad for me. 

There are several ways to achieve this though, and you can check out this article to learn more.The fourth pillar is somewhat similar - you want to separate your operations from your assets.