They use demand-based pricing like anyone else who cares about revenue. 

In Phoenix, where I’m based, or in markets like San Antonio, the best realtors do more than just list properties.. they go “driving for dollars” to find oppurtunity, leverage their local networks (probate attorneys, CPAs, divorce attorneys) and carefully analyze each property’s cash flow.

My goals are all based around being consistent. 

Based on a quick answer from Perplexity it seems like there would be no issue with you buying the home and collecting passive income, but you may not be allowed to manage it yourself since that is considered active work.

Based on our data, it. takes several hundred calls to even get an appointment. 

I strongly agree with Nathan but wanted to add that residential RE, even with the use of a PM, is not passive.  

Based on its price and rental income do you think it is worth it?

It's so important to surround yourself with strong people (i learned that the hard waY...) 

FWIW, I'm going to base this off a 1,500 SF single family new build, but I'll predict the build cost will be a little over $200/SF.

I have only been declining based on credit so far so I haven't gotten to the point yet where I needed to do the prior landlord interviews, but will definitely be interviewing as many prior landlords as possible.