Google is a powerful tool!

Color Pallet link click hereColor Pallet visualizer tool by Sherwin-Williams  Click Here This program picks complimentary colors to each other. 

There are other tools out there (property database tools) that have a more comprehensive set of buildings for less than what CoStar charges.In essence - for brokers, CoStar is a must.

I knew $45 was a bit more than I wanted to pay but I signed a Fl bar contract with the wholesaler and asked my investment partner to put the whole sale amount into escrow ..( important to put a large amount into escrow ) the contract stated that we had 20 days inspection peirod at which time we could decide not to go through with the sale if the inspector found items that I missed .. ( I did not miss anything but,  I use this clause as a tool )  ..

What are some tools available I can use to research the area?

Insurance, liability, tools, etc.The insurance required by the state for the license is sort of on the expensive side to begin with.

Why couldn't I use this archaic tool or reading to better my position in life? 

On a separate note-- I am beginning to build investment tools /models/spreadsheets to start getting my hands dirty in the financial modeling/metrics/analysis of rental properties.  

The information on here and investor tools can really accelerate your business to the nest level.

I've heard mint is a valuable tool, especially for staying organized financially.