Use Excel for one page forms that show the data that you need without having to dig through 12 pages of BS.

IE they are excellent deal killer tools.   

@Laudy FlorentinoYes, @Daniel Hyman and his company are excellent

I use Xero (because QuickBooks sucks) and review the P&Ls along with ROE and IRR calcs using excel.

I know that the recommendation would be just to go with an excel, but I feel like it might be a good idea to get started with a CRM to be organized since day 1.

I had 5 real estate agents before I found D. and in the beginning I thought I was a excellent customer with tons of cash looking for 2 houses 200K+ each, all cash....

I plan to start investing in this space more and more as I move out of the growth phase of my investing career.Value-Add OpportunitiesMy current, personal preference is with value-add opportunities as they offer all the benefits of real estate investing while also having shorter timelines and excellent returns.

Located in an excellent area for rentals.

Those properties in areas around lakes that were sold via late night tv are excellent areas to target.We had a buyer for 23 lots like that and it took 2 years we but got nearly all of them.We sent out letters to all 23 and only got one response the first month subsequent mailings every other month got anywhere from 2 -3  responses and sales. 

Being able to leverage your homes equity puts you in an excellent position to take advantage of this slower market!