> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://magicaiflow-llc.gitbook.io/countyedge-field-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://magicaiflow-llc.gitbook.io/countyedge-field-guide/readme.md). # Welcome Understand the property. Check the numbers. Know what still needs verification. This handbook helps wholesalers and investors use CountyEdge to organize a property investigation, understand its evidence, and compare explicit assumptions. Start with an address or parcel, choose your questions, review your brief, and follow the findings in your private research case. Use free calculators when you already have numbers to test. Applicability: United States research workflows; local rules and available records vary. Editorial review: 2026-10-02. Examples are fictional and educational. ## Start with the decision you need to make * I have a property to investigate: follow [Your first investigation](/countyedge-field-guide/start-here/first-investigation.md), then [Choose your research](/countyedge-field-guide/start-here/choose-research.md). * I have a report to understand: read [Save and read research](/countyedge-field-guide/countyedge-how-tos/save-and-read.md), [Understand property evidence](/countyedge-field-guide/property-research/property-evidence.md), and [Interpret market evidence](/countyedge-field-guide/property-research/market-evidence.md). * I want to test a purchase or rental assumption: use [Calculate an offer](/countyedge-field-guide/deal-numbers/calculate-an-offer.md), [Rental cash flow](/countyedge-field-guide/deal-numbers/rental-cash-flow.md), and [Compare scenarios](/countyedge-field-guide/deal-numbers/compare-scenarios.md). * I need to return to unfinished work: see [Track research and troubleshoot](/countyedge-field-guide/countyedge-how-tos/research-progress.md) and [Read and download documents](/countyedge-field-guide/countyedge-how-tos/property-documents.md). * I want to describe the investments I am seeking: read [Investment requests and opportunities](/countyedge-field-guide/countyedge-how-tos/investment-requests.md). ## How a property investigation fits together 1. Identify the property. Check the address, unit, or parcel and its location before proceeding. 2. Define the questions. Choose topics and decide between investment evaluation and Facts only. 3. Review your brief. Separate values you know from assumptions and unanswered questions. Confirm the scope and use a verified account to start private research when available. 4. Return to the case. Progress and preliminary findings help you see what has been investigated and what is still missing. 5. Read the completed report. Compare property facts, evidence dates, assumptions, limitations, and the next actions relevant to your decision. 6. Keep the version that informed your decision. Reading it again does not rerun research; requesting another analysis or research version uses report allowance. Research availability and your current allowance appear in the application. A completed report can still contain missing or conflicting evidence. A scenario with attractive arithmetic does not establish clear title, permitted use, or a reliable resale value. ## Free tools, saved work, and private research The [free tools](https://countyedge.org/tools) include an offer calculator, rental cash-flow calculator, local-records entry, and a due-diligence checklist. Calculators work with the values you enter. A saved result is a dated private snapshot of those inputs and outputs; it is not a research report. Private research uses a confirmed brief. Facts only focuses on property findings; investment evaluation also considers strategies and financial assumptions. A report, a saved source capture, an original document, and an exported report PDF serve different purposes. [Read and download documents](/countyedge-field-guide/countyedge-how-tos/property-documents.md) explains the difference. Changing assumptions on screen changes the displayed calculations. It does not rewrite the saved assessment or its PDF. See [Compare scenarios](/countyedge-field-guide/deal-numbers/compare-scenarios.md) before saving a new analysis version. ## Learning paths * Start here: [Your first investigation](/countyedge-field-guide/start-here/first-investigation.md) and [Choose your research](/countyedge-field-guide/start-here/choose-research.md). * Deal numbers: [Calculate an offer](/countyedge-field-guide/deal-numbers/calculate-an-offer.md), [Rental cash flow](/countyedge-field-guide/deal-numbers/rental-cash-flow.md), and [Compare scenarios](/countyedge-field-guide/deal-numbers/compare-scenarios.md). * Property research: [Understand property evidence](/countyedge-field-guide/property-research/property-evidence.md), [Interpret market evidence](/countyedge-field-guide/property-research/market-evidence.md), [Local records](/countyedge-field-guide/property-research/local-records.md), and [Before an offer](/countyedge-field-guide/property-research/before-an-offer.md). * Local rules: [Zoning and overlays](/countyedge-field-guide/local-rules/zoning-and-overlays.md). * Probate and estate sales: [Probate records](/countyedge-field-guide/probate-and-estate-sales/probate-records.md). * CountyEdge how-tos: [Save and read research](/countyedge-field-guide/countyedge-how-tos/save-and-read.md), [Track research and troubleshoot](/countyedge-field-guide/countyedge-how-tos/research-progress.md), [Read and download documents](/countyedge-field-guide/countyedge-how-tos/property-documents.md), and [Investment requests and opportunities](/countyedge-field-guide/countyedge-how-tos/investment-requests.md). * Assistant access: [Connect and disconnect an AI assistant](/countyedge-field-guide/countyedge-how-tos/connect-an-assistant.md). * Reference: [Evidence labels and glossary](/countyedge-field-guide/reference/reference.md) and [Your account and privacy](/countyedge-field-guide/reference/account-and-privacy.md). ## What this handbook can help you do Use the steps to ask more precise questions, keep assumptions visible, and turn uncertainty into specific follow-up work. Individual examples do not establish requirements in a particular jurisdiction. CountyEdge research is not a title opinion, appraisal, survey, permit, or professional certification. Supporting references, dated findings, and available documents are shown in the appropriate verified-account and private-report views. This public handbook does not publish the research source directory or collection instructions. Account access and privacy are explained in [Your account and privacy](/countyedge-field-guide/reference/account-and-privacy.md). ## Next action [Start property research](https://countyedge.org/research), or [return to your cases](https://countyedge.org/research/cases). If you are unsure which questions to ask, begin with [Choose your research](/countyedge-field-guide/start-here/choose-research.md).