Scared Property Will Not Rent?

[Andrew Starkey]

I have a general question about renting properties. I have a condo near LSU which is fairly easy to rent out every year.  However, I'd like to expand my portfolio and the thing holding me back is the fear of the property not renting and having to float the note for an extended period of time.  Are there any metrics that you look at to see where the best rental markets are? What is the longest you've ever had a vacancy? Thanks in advance for the response and discussion.