If you are comfortable with Microsoft Excel then you can create a spreadsheet to determine multiple ratios (cap rate, cash return, RV, etc) or you can use something more simple on paper. 

These books got excellent reviews and I'm just starting to read the one on Flipping.

Hi All,I've been working on developing my own apartment building deal analyzer in excel. 

.  (:  You're in an excellent market for this sort of thing, and you should find good success with it.A lot of people on BiggerPockets call it 'house hacking,' so if you're looking for articles and forum posts about how to live in one part of a multi-family and rent out another, search that term.I would recommend working with a quality realtor, inspector, and perhaps a wholesaler to find your property. 

The transaction was difficult, (due to the seller and his agent's lack of responsiveness), but my Realtor was excellent throughout the whole process.  

Excellent stuff and I have learned an unbelievable amount of information soley from listening to those for the short period of time that I've been a member here on BP.Best of luck to you on your journey!

@Steve Rozenberg excellent topic that highlights my complete lack of preparedness.

Life is about the journey.Two excellent points. ...because you want to do it. ...because you want to be good at it. ...because you are good at it. 

Up to now I have been keeping my books in excel and all my properties are in my name with conforming financing.

Excellent schools and excellent potential.