It's important to start with identifying all possible returns that can be generated in real estate some of which can be subtle and easy to miss.The four sources of return in rental real estate:1- Cash flow2- Loan paydown3- Appreciation in value4- Tax savingsBelow are some metrics that are normally used and thrown around here on Biggerpockets, and what type of returns/performance they are designed to measure:- CoC (Cash on Cash) is a measure of net return generated by TWO sources (i.e.

It seems like there are lots of good deals where you are at to generate decent cash flow!

I am a new investor and i am looking for ways to generate leads. 

(Guys in pickups working for beer money)When they get caught "short dumping" the cops nail the "generator" of the waste (YOU) too. 

Just enter the info you need to capture, "Rental Receipt" and the amount and date - and then generate the receipt.  

I would focus on lead generation over closing deals.

Or is it to generate leads?

Do this immediately.Learn SEO and constantly work on ranking your website.While you do this, learn about DMM and PPC.This will help you drive traffic to your website (which Google will notice) and you are then focussing on making deals immediately.The goal is to have your website be your main lead generating beast as the leads it generates are1) "free"2) Super motivated to sell (compared to any other lead generating tool)The only issue with the website is that it takes time to rank.

I’m looking to generate the best info available on investing in real estate as I have a friend that has a major windfall and wants to invest in this field

It is great for generating financial documents, reports, tracking depreciation, travel exoenses, etc.