Biggerpockets also has a calculator you can use to analyze deals and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

As a new RE investor, I don't really have the proper tools to analyze this decision, other than thinking that the potential upside of renting is small compared to the potential downsides of a RE crash, future vacancy between tenants, falling rental prices, falling home prices, etc.

Been doing research for a almost a year now as far as analyzing the market with the intent to fund my own deals.

A month ago I set a goal to analyze one apartment a day (5x week).

Don’t give up, real estate is profitable, but also frustrating at times, learn from other people's mistakes.Here are my quick tips to getting started:Watchthis video 4 Reasons Why New Real EstateInvestors FAILFourSquare Method for analyzing deals CalculatingNumbers on a Rental Property [Using The Four Square Method!]

Rena,750 hours a year is about 15 hours/week, which isn't that much if you're analyzing deals, overseeing projects, meeting with sellers, showing vacant units, etc.

@Stephanie Simmons Great Information Stephanie I appreciate the feedback and will continue analyzing properties in the meantime!

So, to answer your question, my plan of attack has been analyzing at least a deal a day (usually more) from the MLS and reading as much as I can.

If you are here, concerned about returns and sophisticated enough to properly analyze investment properties, you're beyond Ramsey.

I did not consider some important expenses while analyzing this deal.