Are there ways to tell if one area of a major city is appreciating in value vs another area (besides picking a dozen properties and analyzing zillow estimates (or sales comps/tax assesments, etc) ?

For other variables such as tax rates and heating costs, I find it easier to get a good evaluation.

How do I calculate the monthly mortgage+ interest+ insurance+ tax that I should be able to comfortably able to take care.3.

For other variables such as tax rates and heating costs, I find it easier to get a good evaluation.

Is your DSCR ratio greater than 1-meaning are you cash flowing (according to the lender's criteria of mortgage, property taxes and insurance (and HOA) if applicable).

Property Taxes (never heard of property taxes increasing if you convert a house into a house hack.

Not sure if interesting, but my buddy just launched a tool to help find off market properties across the US based on tax delinquencies, probate, pre-foreclosures...etc.

All this profit is obviously tax free after depreciation. 

I honestly belief that investors should stop looking for specic catagoeries/situations of people to find houses to buy, and instead focus on motivation (regardless is their house is vacant, tax liened, foreclosure etc. etc.)Do you really care that you get a vacant house deal, or do you care that you find a high profit deal regardless whether it is a vacant house or not?

Look for areas you can invest with population and job growth that are also landlord friendly, tax friendly, and have positive cashflow.