If you do a case study also consider what market appreciation and mortgage paydown would occur in both scenarios.

For example, I know of a deal in Reno, NV where all the records were still on paper, and the owners didn’t even know the rents people were paying.When I’m evaluating multifamily properties for clients around the Reno area, I calculate current, market, and proforma rents.

How much it rents for is not determined by what you'd need to make it a good investment, it is determined by the market. 

BiggerPockets can be a great resource, and I know there's tons of information available on the Fort Myers market specifically.

The NOLA rental market, especially for the more expensive neighborhoods like the one my rental is in, has been slow.

Currently, the market is still short on supply so when putting in offers you need to put on the 'seller' hat and think what they would want.

Since you're planning to buy your first multifamily unit, I suggest looking into markets that have great macroeconomics with growing population and jobs just like Columbus OH.

Great markets here in the midwest. 

Your marketing needs to change a bit but other than that, it's very similar.

You want to look at anything on the market to get the experience.