As a real estate professional that has sold real estate investment property for the past thirty years, I know how difficult it is to learn about real estate investing.

It’s easy to put off learning about real estate investing until tomorrow (which never comes) because the idea of learning the terms and formulas is daunting. It’s like skydiving—you don’t make the plunge until you know you’re ready.

Well, I’m pleased to inform you that I have an online investment-learning center where you can get real estate investing help without shelling out a dime, and without having to subscribe to anything.

1. Free real estate investing articles. Numerous articles I’ve written so those of you who are interested in investment real estate can learn the terms, definitions, applications, and formulas easily. I cover a number of rental property nuances including real estate analysis, land lording and property management, tax issues, plus everything in between. These articles are free to read, print, and share. Read an article…

2. Free videos. These are short, to the point, and informative. The library is still rather modest, but you will learn such things as how to calculate cap rate and construct an APOD. In time, I hope to add more real estate investing teaching videos. Watch a video…

3. Free cap rate calculator. This is online at my site. Simply follow the link that reads Calculate a Cap Rate. In addition to calculating the cap rate, the calculator also displays the formula, so you really can compute and learn at the same time. Use the cap rate calculator…

4. Free mortgage calculator (with amortization schedule). This is also online at my site. Simply follow the link that reads Calculate a Loan Payment. You make just three entries and click. The results are a monthly loan payment, total interest, and full amortization schedule. Use the mortgage calculator…

You can access all these real estate investing resources, including the articles, videos, and calculators without any obligation. They are yours to use 100% FREE without having to subscribe to anything.

What’s the catch you ask? There is no catch, but you can do one thing for me in return. Preview and remember my real estate investment software.  When you’re ready to start in with real estate investing, ProAPOD® will help you. Here’s to your success.

ProAPOD® Real Estate Investment Software, a leading real estate investment software provider since 2000, released an update for version 10.0 today. ProAPOD® 10.0 was developed for real estate investors and agents who want their real estate analysis to include the elements of tax shelter.

According to software entrepreneur James Kobzeff, “ProAPOD 10.0 is our platinum-grade real estate investment software solution with the deepest cash flow, rate of return, and profitability analysis. It includes full consideration for all four elements of tax shelter and computes before and after tax cash flow, tax benefit (or loss), capital gains, recapture tax, time value of money, and property depreciation for residential and commercial properties.”

Modifications

Modifications made to this real estate investment software solution concern the FlashForm tool. This is the tool included only in ProAPOD® 10.0 that enables users to quickly determine rates of return without having to manually fill in the forms. It is an effective way to compare various properties very quickly.

The update corrected an issue with data entry, added an entry for “Property Name”, and added a result for “before-tax cash on cash return” in addition to after-tax cash on cash return. Note image below.

If you purchased ProAPOD® 10.0 prior to November 11, simply login to your account and download your free update. If you purchased ProAPOD 10.0 on or after November 11, you already have the updated version.

To learn more about ProAPOD® Real Estate Investment Software, go to www.proapod.com.

Once you feel that you located an investment property worth pursuing, prudent real estate investing procedure also require you to find out several things about the property in addition to the analysis of income and expenses. Of course, the bottom line, i.e. cash flow and profitability, are the most essential, but these eight items can impact an income property’s cash flow and profitability.

1. Age of the Property

Older rental property can mean repairs or appliance replacement expenses may be expected in the near future and should be taken into consideration in the price you are willing to pay for the property.

2. Rental History

Has the property enjoyed a high occupancy level over the past few years? What happened to its occupancy or rent level during the period of economic slowdown?

3. Neighborhood

What kind of properties surround the building you are considering acquiring? Is the rental income property you want to purchase the only well-kept building on the street? Remember, renting apartments in deteriorating areas can be difficult and often lead to climbing vacancies.

4. Building Condition

You must never purchase real estate investment property without considering the physical condition of the building. Your contract to purchase must give you the option of having a roof and termite inspection made by a licensed inspector. Be sure to do a walkthrough of all the apartments. Are they well maintained? This will not only tell you what repairs you may be facing, but will also give you an indication of the type of tenants that are renting the apartments.

5. Lot and Building Sizes

Along with the present zoning on the property, the lot and building size of the property gives you an indication as to whether or not the property is being put to highest and best use. Can you add additional rental units on the property at some future date?

6. Amenities

Amenities affect how your property can compete with other rentals in the area. Bear in mind, however, that major amenities such as tennis courts and swimming pools generally cannot be justified on smaller complexes.

7. Parking

Be sure that the investment property provides at least one parking space for each apartment plus a proportionate number of guest parking spaces (one and one-half to two parking spaces per unit are desirable). Check local zoning codes. If the apartment doesn’t provide adequate parking, you better reconsider your purchase.

8. Other

Some of the other considerations include sewers, property access, proximity to bus stops and shopping. Is the property serviced by sewers that are connected and are all assessments paid for? Can the property be accessed easily; does it have easy access to freeways and major highways and byways? Are there adequate shopping facilities nearby?

As stated, these basic details concerning the property you want to purchase will add to your evaluation of the investment. There are not directly related to the income and operating expenses that contribute to the bottom line, but they will influence the bottom line, and therefore real estate investors would be wise to consider them when purchasing any investment real estate.