It was either on a podcast or here in the forum that I heard that sometimes you have to estimate expenses, but when an available number is out there (property taxes, for instance), you should track it down and use it in your deal analysis.  

On the debt service, I was going to leverage a home equity line for the down payment with a 2.5% interest rate, but for analysis purposes I assumed debt service on the entire asking price at 4%.

You might also want to check out the BP deal analysis forms you could probably build a lot of questions from reading that.

The seller, for our analysis, has submitted a rent roll and 12-month cash flow. 

Before you get into any numbers, analysis, etc., I would recommend getting to the bottom of exactly why he wants out.

Hi there,I need some help analyzing this following deal in CO Springs. Your input is greatly appreciated.Multi apartment buildings, around 100 units total, 80+ 1BR/1Ba, 20 2Br/1ba, laundry, parking, pool, clubhouse, t...

Nice, @Todd S.I've been doing some analysis on the area over the past several months.

FYI, for your reference below is a description of both courses I've been looking at.Basic Appraisal PrinciplesThis four-day course will introduce you to real property concepts and characteristics, legal considerations, influences on real estate values, types of value, economic principles, market area analysis, highest and best use, and ethical considerations.

Do you want to be able to analysis your income and spending?

I definitely feel like I am in analysis paralysis mode and am trying to get the courage to make my first purchase.