Where to get the most recent and accurate data for things like:Unemployment dataPopulation growthJob diversity and top employers in the areaVacancy rates (eg huduser.org)Property taxes and jnsurance costsI saw bp pro and reventure and a bunch of other websites provide some of this data, but i wonder how accurate and recent it is.

On a daily basis I get questions from investors/property owners about the rental rate for their rental property.

If you aren’t saving the money up to buy another property chances are nothing will pay a higher rate than paying it towards your mortgage.

Or at least what are investors looking for today as far as return and cap rates?

My basic underwriting making some standard assumptions on HOA expenses, 20% down, 7% interest rate, 30 year mortgage, utilities, supplies, and maintenance costs shows a loss of about $22k per year if you are self managing.

Charge the tenants a higher rent rate and include utilities with their rent.

When you finance through national lenders, in your experience, is a balloon a common requirement for commercial loans of this nature or is it possible to get a fixed rate for 30 years?  

Rate shop .

A line of credit is adjustable rate with interest only payments that will have a "draw" period usually of 3-5 years for investment properties (usually 10 years for primary home) then will amortize over the remaining term after the draw period.

Charge the tenants a higher rent rate and include utilities with their rent.