If it doesn't pass the kill test, move on.

One lesson I've learned is to focus on the rebalance test.

Verify in-place rents, confirm realistic operating expenses, stress test interest rates, and see if it supports the debt without creative structuring.

I see a specific "cycle of failure" happen constantly with capital raisers.
You hate marketing, so you hire a "Done-For-You" agency. You pay a retainer, get mediocre results (or used car salesman copy), fire them, an...

You need to schedule preventative items dependent upon the age and current condition of the unit, such as sewer line inspections or cleanouts; AC condenser cleaning; roof inspection and maintenance (including gutter systems), and testing water supply line integrity.Relying on a Tenant to report items is not a good strategy, as they often are oblivious to issues that need correcting; and, Tenants should not be expected to attempt repairs.

A good service can run CMAs, fair market values, fair market rents, and help you pressure test assumptions like vacancy, concessions, bad debt, and turn costs, then tie it all back to an acquisition plan and an exit price you can defend.

House hacking a duplex/triplex is a solid first move A few things that help early: lock in one target area, run conservative rent comps, and stress-test the deal with higher expenses than you expect.

It’s useful for preliminary deal analysis and underwriting (running quick scenarios, organizing assumptions, and pressure-testing numbers quickly).There are also more research-focused AI tools now that help summarize market data, zoning regulations, and economic trends so you can process information more efficiently. 

I would rather stress test vacancy and maintenance harder than bump management for no reason.

The self-sufficiency test still applies, but now the numbers have a real chance.