This is a great place to learn and network.There are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guidesAlerts can be really helpful too: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

Most rental companies know that owners are not as attentive, and probably not readily available to access the property.

In MN the Hoa actually owns the lakefront of my property because they want to ensure equal access and avoid any environmental Fines.  

An excel mortgage calculator with some nice features (extra payments, interest-only, etc.)All of them are freely accessible on this page: https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

I do know someone that did it themselves and their pool had large vehicle access (versus bobcat size loads).  

They give you free access to comps so you don't have to pay for Airdna's paid version.

Or homes up for auction that no access to the inside was available where maybe someone snuck in a window to get a feel for the condition of the property.

The attorneys are known to the assessors and there is a lot of horse trading that the typical Joe Public doesn't get access to.I have done work on my building and have a 5 year tax abatement in a portion of the taxes.

I really like the alerts feature that can quickly guide you to current topics that may be of interest: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsThere are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides

With the heloc route I was able to access more of my equity vs refinancing.