Remove your Assignment fee: 2,500Remove Initial Purchase price: VariableLeft over is profit:  xx,xxx  how ever you haven't accounted for the opportunity cost of that capital or bench marked it against what a "safe" investment would be.  

What would I actually use this for when analyzing a deal other than a benchmark for comps?

Is 60% the general benchmark number you use when a landlord pays for any of the utilities?

I found a property that after analysis met some of the benchmarks discussed in the beginner's guide. 

Usually this tied to either prime or fed rate or someother benchmark and WILL fluctuate as that benchmark changes.

(Consumer-facing mortgage rates have been trending down for a month, in anticipation of this)- There's substantial lag time between when the Fed changes that benchmark rate, and the effects are fully felt in the economy in a way that shows up in the numbers he and his pals look at.

Now I want to invest in rental properties, but I have the foreclosure hanging over my head now for another 3 years (If 7 years is the benchmark).

Also, do you have any benchmarks for what it might cost to replace the siding?

Therefore the price you, the investor, paid ($10-$20K) is the only benchmark the appraiser has in constructing the comparable market analysis for the lender. 

Overall I would like to see 15%, then use that as the benchmark to improve from next year.