I've read several books, listen to several podcasts, but the market analysis question seems to be answered vaguely (research growth, rent comparables, job opportunities, etc) Am I making it more complicated?

Personal excel sheet?

As that will at least help folks that you reach out to know that you are a real person, with a picture and professional bio.

It is our personal house and we're in the process of moving back to the east coast (New England area) to a higher COL area.

House hacking will also give you some personal "property management" experience.

However, my personal opinion, is that its unethical to mark them up beyond what the consumer would pay normally. 

@Romane DaleyYou can't borrow from an IRA; the only way to access IRA funds for personal needs is to take a distribution, which would be taxable, and penalties on top for premature distributions. 

We would occupy and grow the revenue full time.

Everyone says Yardi has a slight learning curve, but I personally think it is a bit user-friendly.

I am considering as a first time buyer to utilize the BRRRR method on my personal home, while also using a 203K loan to finance and rehab the property.