people are predicting a much higher rent increase then in the past.  

It's a little like the Storage Wars - you try to predict what you get, but it's all guesses.When you go to the auction there will be an attorney from the bank, who will bid against you, especially if there are no other bidders.

Eventually, someone will be correct.  ...and when that person is finally correct in their prediction (after missing 9 out of 10 times), they will be called an expert, and brilliant for correctly predicting the downturn. 

The fact is, renters can't predict where they'll be in two years.

I think the difficulty is always to predict what the market will be when you sell may be after 3-6 months but it is important to track the market you are flipping in so your values are accurate.

There is no doubt there is work there, don’t you think they should be compensated for doing a better than predicted job?

What I predict will happen is hotels will get up to speed and take business back from short term rentals.

You can’t predict the future, but having a fleet of rentals has allowed us to sell a few off for some great profits! 

What is the actual cash flow you predict...I don't care about what the ROI % is...that tells me nothing of importance.

You may want to try one of those credit score prediction tools - I know I am offered one through Capital One and American Express - if you have any cards that offer free credit score they may also have a tool like that.