We do have data that shows how much more profitable and less risky deals brought to us through this system are, than those not, but I cannot post them here due to Bigger Pockets' forum rules. 

My advice....do not think of applicants as people, view them only as a collection of facts and data, there is absolutely no place for personal emotions in business.

I would suggest hire a professional in Appfolio to train you and hire someone else to do the data entry.My question to you is why did you switch to Appfolio?

The biggest thing I look for is population growth and the most up-to-date data that I have found is on the US Census Bureau website.

Like @Jon Crosby I use Mint (got to love free accounting), but then couple that with MinttoReport (small annual charge), a great tool so you can export your Mint data and report it once you setup tags and categories. 

AirDNA and Everbooked have pretty good occupancy data (you're limited in what you can get for free though).

Ok, so just did some research and initially, I was thinking RealtyTrac was the clear winner as they had TONS more info but BASED ON OTHER'S OPINIONS VIA GOOGLE SEARCH, it looks like they have a history of inaccurate data. 

The knowledge gained during those four years of managing properties and property managers and the invaluable skills learned while in the Navy will lend greatly to Morris Green Properties and it's client owners and tenants.

I wasn't able to infer any new data from the public records.

Is there a way to access MLS data without being a real estate agent?