I tried to get this information from my CPA but he couldn't give me an actual calculation, instead, he created a "mock tax return" using last year's data, but when he did it he INCREASED my tax bracket for all my taxes, and everything I've read states this should NOT be the case.I think the calculation should be this: Capital Gains Tax = (Sales Price - seller costs (R.E. agent fee & other closing fees) - original purchase price - capital improvements) x 15%.

There are some markets like Norfolk, San Diego, Fayetteville, etc that there is probably some job security, I would ensure that you consider other industries that are in the market.

Nick at ReventurConsulting.com does all the studies using Government data etc.

This sales data was taken from the Multiple Listing system.What is the average cap rate in Chicago?

What data sources do you use to pull marketing lists to mail to multifamily property owners?

I recommend keeping a minimum reserve for each property (mine is $10k/door) to ensure you can cover most "surprise" expenses and larger capex when they arrive.

I don't know where they source their data from, but it's certainly not just folks that send them business. 

Learn to read that data to the point you can do a quick walkthrough of a property and are able to "ballpark" a value quickly and confidently. 

Know you have an upcoming capital expense and ensure you have some capital in an easy-to-access place.

Evolve is 10% usually, but they provide very little.Do a search on this forum and you'll find tons of data on STR PMs.