Beginner Question about performing Rental Comps

[Scott Bartlett]

Hello everyone! I'm a first time poster that has been in search of a great real estate investing forum, and hopefully I've found it!

One of the problems that I have when trying to look at potential properties that I'd like to make my first purchase is, figuring out property and rental comps. I usually go to the county auditor's website for my area to find the history, sales prices and ect on the property I'm looking at with accuracy and success, but the one thing I can't get a very accurate idea is rental comps.

I know the general rental rates are in my area, but how do I best determine them if I don't know what someone down the street is paying, or someone a few blocks over?

Is there a good site that has rental information regarding to current rental comps? Or is just knowing the general rental rates in my area enough to suffice?

Thanks!