Does rental income potential affect property value?

[Amy Canfield]

I'm a newish investor looking to purchase my first vacation rental. I currently own 1 SFR and Airbnb my primary residence. How is potential rental income accounted for, if at all, in the purchase price of a property?

I’m looking at a property listed at $275,000 with a 5-year rental history of $30,000 - $35,000 per year. Problem is the seller just bought the property 2 years ago for $200,000 and has done no major improvements. The only thing they have done is purchase all new furniture (property being sold furnished - it’s high quality furniture).

They think the rental history makes the property worth more. Does it? Or should the purchase price be based entirely on comparable properties, regardless of whether they are rentals?

Thanks!