I hold very little in crypto :/I'm always down to talk some real estate and power tools!

What tools do you use to accurately calculate the ARV of a property?

I asked him to use a tenant screening tool i saw online that . he told me that he only does a credit check and if i wanted to use the screening tool online, i could do it myself (with approval from the applicant). question is : if i have a RE agent, is it his responsibility to do the credit check or can i do it  or both are ok to do this ?

The Bigger Pockets calculator is a great tool for basic underwriting and to play around with the numbers to see how they impact these metrics.The VA loan is a great example of how your cost of capital can make or break a deal, which should give you a competitive advantage to make a deal work that others cannot.Good luck!

I also am realizing how valuable it is to live in the property you will be renting, because there are a lot of little things that need attention and hide easily, so they may go overlooked.

STR's near hospitals could be very valuable, soon.

@Wesley I.Thank you for this valuable info Wesley!

Harvey,There are a variety of factors at play, region will play a factor, age of property will play a factor, diminishing returns plays a factor (for instance going from 2nd to 3rd bedroom will be more valuable then 3rd going to 4th) To me the key to to a CMA is get as close of comp as you can when it comes to these factors (square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, age, size of garage, size of yard) Once you start diverting too far it become a bit more of an art then a science. 

If you get a great contractor that knows that your repeat business is valuable, he will make sure that he will only do work that will make you more money, and not just recommend things to do because he will make money. 

They will give you the sound advise and give you the tools to keep you learning by tangible details for what they are doing.