There is more to this than can be quantified with a math equation.

For those of you that don't know, the basic accounting equation is this:Assets - Liabilities = Owner's EquityWe're all in the real estate game for Owner's Equity.

This being such an important part of the equation and my 1st deal, I don't want to screw it up.

Try not putting yourself first in the equation, ask if this would be of value for others and to be honest, it would!

,Cap Rates are easily calculated for a property with the simple equation of NOI/Purchase Price = Cap Rate. 

So keep that factored into your equation.

@Alan Diamond , you'll find people on both sides of that discussion-- SF vs multi.Multi spreads your risk a bit because 1 vacancy doesn't equate to 100% vacancy and many people find better theoretical cashflow.On the other hand, SF means you have less tenants to manage, can usually require them to pay all utilities as well as lawn and snow care and tenants seem to stay longer.  

Seem much easier to deal with since they do everything through the Equator system now.

higher returns generally equate to more risk.. etc.

It helps me keep both the property and tenant sides of the equation on track and my larger goals in sight....And when I show a place, I will even go Lee Iacocca on them and say "if you can find a better place for the money, rent it...."