With a few inputs we can tell roughly how much we'll be making a month and how much profit we will make.

@Mick Relef - Predecting a downturn makes no profit.

"I want to profit" is not an example of "unforeseen."

Being able to do a lot of stuff yourself is great, but a big part of a flip being profitable is getting it done quick. 

Looking for advice on quick ways to analyze a new area to figure out if it is a potentially profitable area to investage further...mostly for rental properties.We are currently looking at city data for average income, average home prices and then looking up rent average for the bedroom sizes.Anyone else have tips on quick data to review?

@James Derrick the lender is unlikely to lend on a four unit when you are purchasing it for the price of a five unit and you still would need to convert it (and have the money to do so), that is probably the largest stumbling block and it has little to do with the actual profitability of the property.

@Jonathan Oh - one reason an investor would bring money to the table (especially if it is a fix and flip) is because they believe the ARV  will be much higher than the current As Is Value and the profit margins are still to their liking even bringing money to the table.Another reason, is the investor is thinking long term and believes in the future that property will appreciate greatly.These are just two that come to my mind.

Real estate is also to help others to find solutions for their challenges ..... we help a few business to gain money and we offer jobs to a few contractors to help us with our project , we make some profits so win win situation .

For purpose of paying as little tax on the profit for the sale, does it matter if it's paid out to me or my LLC?

My reading and a fellow investor taught me that it starts with understanding the 70% Rule which is a quick rule of thumb that can be used to quickly analyze a rehab deal or wholesale deal by applying a 30% discount to the ARV (less repairs).70% Rule FormulaQuick analysis assumes profit and fixed cost will make up 30% of ARV(ARV * 70%) - Repairs = Rehabber’s MPPDetailed analysis breaks the 15% into a detailed itemized list...ARV - Repairs - Purchase Costs - Holding Costs - Selling Costs - Profit = Rehabber’s MPPThen, in order to determine Wholesalers Maximum Allowable Offer you would use the following formula:MAO = Rehabber's MPP - Wholesale ProfitWhat I need to be able to do is use the Max Purchase Price formula (detailed analysis) in order to calculate a more accurate MPP.