Need advice on Housing Choice Voucher Program (Formally known as Section 8)

[Nelson Badillo]

I recently just purchased a duplex and plan to rent out one side for section 8/VA VASH program. One thing that enticed me was the potential for higher rents by honing in on the SAFMR and the zipcodes. However, after collecting more information from PHA they stated I should aim to rent the unit at what other units nearby are renting out for and NOT go as high as the SAFMR states you are allowed to go. Is that accurate? Am I not allowed to use the SAFMR rate and MUST use the local comps instead? Does anybody have experience with this?