Why Excel?

Might be a better fit than a standard M\PM

That’s what “great at marketing” actually looks like.If the claim is that Wander excels at marketing themselves to prospective owners, rather than marketing their properties to prospective guests, I’d agree.

Things like extended eviction timelines, rent control policies, and strict regulations can seriously cut into your cash flow and peace of mind.Here’s a better path for you as a new investor exploring turnkeys: Look into landlord-friendly markets with:* Strong rent-to-price ratios* Affordable entry points* Solid property management infrastructure* Consistent rental demandTop Turnkey-Friendly Markets to Consider:Birmingham, AL* Low property taxes, strong rental demand* High cash flow potential* Reliable turnkey operators and property managersIndianapolis, IN* Steady appreciation and affordable inventory* Turnkey-friendly with a large investor network* Very landlord-friendlyCleveland or Columbus, OH* Excellent cash flow markets* Very active turnkey providers* Property taxes are moderate, laws are landlord-favorableAugusta or Macon, GA* Hidden gems for investors* Good rent-to-value ratios* Georgia is very investor-friendlyNext Steps:* Start researching these markets through BiggerPockets and YouTube walkthroughs from real turnkey providers.* Analyze deals weekly, even if you're not buying yet.* Interview turnkey companies and property managers to build a team before investing.You're asking the right questions at the right time.

Since the fires, rent has gone up and most of the rentals are in poor condition unless we pay at least ~$3300 for a 1 bedroom or ~$5000 for a 2 bedroom (we could probably fit in a 1 bedroom for next year but will likely need to move to a 2 bedroom after that).

Offer coffee, a beer, dinner - whatever is of value, but offer to pay to spend some time speaking with and learning from those investors.You laid out big ambitions in your post and that is excellent. 

If the properties don't fit your preferences or don't have a market nearby that works, then looking OOS (farther away), may be your best option.

Get software for book keeping and do not use excel.

I use an excel property analyzer which I'm pretty comfortable using at this point. 

CrowdStreet, SyndicationPro)    D) Sharing an Excel or Google Sheets financial model     E) Phone or video call walkthrough (no documents)    F) In-person meeting with printed materials (pen & paper)    G) Other (please reply with yours)Please vote by replying below with any combination of A, B, C, D, E, F, or G.