Interest rates are edging modestly higher today as strong U.S. economic data and a rebound in tech risk appetite take some pressure off bonds.

The headline number looks stronger than the broader trend suggests.For mortgage rates, softer employment momentum can reduce inflation pressure and give the Fed more flexibility later this year.Inflation Falls to an 8-Month LowConsumer inflation rose just 0.2% in January and slowed to 2.4% year over year, down from 2.7%.Core inflation eased to 2.5% annually.That’s the lowest annual rate in eight months.Shelter (which makes up ~35% of CPI and ~44% of core CPI) was modest in January, helping bring the annual number down.Airline fares jumped, but the broader inflation picture was contained.Bottom line: Inflation is moving in the right direction.The Federal Reserve is still cautious, but easing inflation + cooling labor data strengthens the case for eventual rate cuts later in 2026.For buyers and sellers: inflation cooling is generally supportive for mortgage rate stability.Existing Home Sales Slow to Start 2026After a strong December, existing home sales fell 8.4% in January and were down 4.4% year over year.Inventory slipped slightly month-over-month but remains higher than last year.NAR noted unusually cold weather and heavy precipitation may have distorted the numbers.The more important point?

Most tools just give you data and leave you hanging.

The thinking is that weekend demand carries most of the revenue, while the weekdays serve as my primary residence.On weekends I’d typically either visit my parents (no lodging cost) or spend time in a nearby city, so being out of the property those nights would fit my routine.Before buying, I want to test the weekly reality — being out every weekend, coordinating cleaning, turnover timing, etc.

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. 

Assuming you're working with a commercial lender (rather than a "consumer" mortgage lender), I suspect they may go up to 75% of the ARV, min DSCR of 1.25x-1.30x, amortization of 20-25 years, and an interest rate in the high 6% to low 7% range.I like how you're "stress testing" your model, but I'm curious about your FMR of $1,204. 

I am looking for a Safe Base Hit in the Milwaukee market (targeting 53212, 53207, 53214, 53215, 53219) and want to get a gut check on my current stress test.

For those using DSCR loans, what assumptions are you stress-testing most — rent, taxes, insurance, or reserves?

What data sources or tools do you rely on most?

Hi BP community,I've been studying off-market property patterns and analyzing public data trends related to distressed and absentee-owned properties.One thing I've noticed is that many motivated sellers tend to fall into repeatable categories (vacancy signals, tax delinquencies, long-term ownership, etc.).For active investors:When you evaluate an off-market opportunity, what early indicators make you pay attention vs. ignore it?