The problem is that most people don't know how to evaluate a deal.

i have a file i use and it's really good. not as good as Apt evaluation Version 6090 (lol), but good enough for SFR.how does one upload it?

I think for the purposes of evaluating a potential deal I would put market rents where I KNOW I can rent for (IE. below the mean).

A social network needs to protect its right to display/share things that people post, in a reasonable manner.Here is another analysis of the google+ terms:http://www.jmg-galleries.com/blog/2011/07/08/how-i-evaluate-terms-of-service-for-social-media-web-sites-google/?

Can I start a corporation (LLC etc..) for the sole purpose of evaluating rental properties?

So, when evaluating deals, you really must consider this rule of thumb.You can't build a huge portfolio at OO rates.

how can i evaluate this deal over the short and long term?

The banks are supposed to be the most responsible party to the transaction and their WHOLE BUSINESS MODEL is evaluating risk and loaning money2.

If you're simply going to buy something clear across the country, sight unseen, you better have somebody out there you trust, with the knowledge and experience you need to properly evaluate the property, and the listing agent isn't that person.

The balance 50% is what is left for debt service and cash flow.If you would post your actual mortgage payment (not counting any taxes/insuarance/HOA - which are operating expenses), that would better help us evaluate how much "true" cash flow you have.Before you do that, here it is without having that info:$1175 gross rents less $587 for expenses less your mortage payment = your true cash flow.So the $415 cash flow you stated is not true as you must allow for vacancy expenses, loss to rent, eviction costs (you will have them over time), repairs, tenant damage beyond the security deposit, capital expenses like new roofs, new AC, new water heater, etc., advertising/marketing costs, accounting costs, and more.I would highly suggest you pack the entire $415 away into your business account for the expenses that are not monthly but pop up from time to time.