What are the best sources or methods you use to accurately set rental rates in your area?

A legitimate wholesaler will likely have more off-market opportunities in the pipeline that you can explore/analyze.

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

I have a 6-figure land business & am just here to help (no affiliate links).The best land investing program I have seen is Jonathon Haveles with The Land Method and Land Riches Blueprint. 

Are there any methods you want to stick with?

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

I suggest you enter private money goldmine in search botton at top right of the screen and read the previous posts....here is one that gives good perspective as well as a link to legitimate private lenders.http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/1488...

What methods are you considering doing?

Quote from @Paul Lucenti: Creative methods tend to increase risk.

For example, we've recently taken over marketing internally because the property management company was not experienced enough in using the newer advertising methods we need to pursue.