Hi Drew,Thanks for the feedback.Since you’ve been doing this for 25+ years, I’d love to dig a bit deeper into the predictive modeling side of things.

Specifically:- Estimating cash flow- Evaluating long-term appreciation potential- Understanding neighborhood demographics- Estimating renovation costsI’m working on a tool where:- You paste a Zillow link.The system uses AI to:- Analyze cash flow potential via Rentometer rents- Predict appreciation based on historical trends- Break down local demographic dataGoal: Automate the time-consuming parts of deal analysis and help investors screen properties faster. 

In many cases, a well-managed common laundry area reduces maintenance exposure, creates predictability, and even introduces ancillary income.

For beginners, comparing rate, points, and speed is usually what guides them to an initial lender, those variables definitely matter.But I also think that when that first deal goes smoothly and the process feels clear and predictable, that’s what really sticks.

From what I've seen, investors aren't just buying properties; they're buying predictability, accuracy, speed, margin, and confidence in the operator.

So, many things may have changed with regard to the borrower's circumstances and the property that what has actually happened (seasoning) tends to be much more valuable to me than infomation gathered decades ago in an effort to predict what would happen (underwriting). 

A 2 year lease offers stability, reduced turnover and predictable income.

I'm currently looking into markets that have a set rate/cap to make deals and profits more predictable.

Where financing is structured around realistic timelines and stabilized performance — not optimism.When those pieces work together, investing becomes more predictable.

If your goal is strong, predictable cash flow without the headache of constant oversight, a lot of investors are pivoting to Midwest markets.