So how do you get that knowledge. 1) reading here; there are many threads on the 50% rule, the 2% rule, the 70% minus repairs rule etc.2) Read thread here where someone asks for help evaluating a deal. 3) Go look at properties and start to evaluate them.

Mike,Most people on this site factor in all units in situations like this to evaluate the deals potential despite the fact that you will be occupying one of the units .

In the example property I used below in the screen shots, the house is listed at $759,000, the automated Zestimate is $792,258, but my comp evaluation using Zillow's own "Price this house" tool is $674,252.

For that reason, I'm going to delete this post tomorrow as I stumbled into a means of evaluating areas...I can find top prop mgmt co's in any area, find their listings and just keep track as to how fast units are renting and even respond as a perspective tenant to see how hungry they are to rent to me. 

I've found my investor group attracts many tire kickers, who are always welcome to "listen and learn" on the on-site property evaluations.  

You are wise to evaluate your strategy as real estate is constantly changing.

Other little things: 
•You have to know how to evaluate the deal, you should know how the numbers work. 


You'd be a volunteer.Suggest you search on these forums for PETIO which is a format for evaluating properties and determining their merits.You ought to determine if this is, in fact, abandoned, as opposed to just vacant.

Hi, I recently joined Bigger Pockets to better understand real estate investing and how to evaluate opportunities.

The other items I had were already covered by others so you should have plenty to consider in your evaluation.  ;-)