What tools do you use while narrowing down zipcodes?

Costs fluctuate like the stock market so some of the guides / tools out there are using pre-pandemic values which will sink you in a heartbeat.Have you looked in local REIGs to see if you can find a local flipper or contractor that you could shadow on a few walk throughs? 

Many tools mentioned are for people with more rentals and more experience.You need a REALTOR to help you understand the market, find properties, write contracts, negotiate, and stay out of trouble.You need a lender.You may need a Property Manager to help you manage the property, but that depends on your time available, willingness to learn, ability to deal with people, and other factors.You will eventually need a handyman, plumber, electrician, and other professionals, but you can definitely wait until they are needed.

When looking for "deals" in regard to real estate there are countless ways to analysis and pick apart a deal.Aside from the obvious ones such as the BiggerPockets tools, what other tools do you use for analyzing potential deals or an area that you're looking into?

The thought process is that if I like the deal today, I may love it a few years down the road where I can refi (whether I cash out or not) under better terms to reduce debt service.I'm sure this is the kind of thing I could spend a lot of time trying to build in Excel -- am wondering if anyone can direct me to an existing tool that might help with this.

Both of these organizations have Find An Advisor tools.

Have you had any good luck using one of the tools in BP to find contractors (plumbers)?

Congratulations, I love owner financing I think it’s the greatest investment tool that you can use for a investor .

Take this real estate strategic investing financial tool into your new years’ plan.Financial analysis helps investors assess risks and opportunities, compare different investments for returns and cash flow, and make informed decisions about real estate investments.Financial modeling includes the following critical components:Income projectionsCost AnalysisLabor AnalysisOperating Cost AnalysisCash-flowsCapital structureIncome projections: Valuation of an asset depends on its capacity to generate future cash flows.

But also keep in Mind that may bring up other problems, in my case if the investor brings another contractor to do a part of the job I usually pull my team out and don’t come back until they are done, Mainly because of Insurance issues and I don’t like myself or my guys walking into each other or tools being “Misplaced” If they touch any of the work I’ve done, the warranty is also voided.