@Ben Berg with renting rates, roommates or a straight rental, you always look at comps, or comparable homes.

To what extent does landscaping typically add value to a property for the purposes of appraisal and re-financing, compared to other improvements? 

It is the most popular software in the industry, and most Tax Preparers are familiar with it, which makes tax season easier.My Recommendation: Spreadsheets are usually fine for your first 1-3 properties. 3+ properties, you should use a software.

Anyone who is crazy high or crazy low compared to the others needs to be looked at carefully. 

Compare this to selling the Market A property in year 3 which has appreciated 5% a year and is now worth $550,000.00.

Then compare it to my data-fed program.

How are you comparing the cost of a new build to one with an existing duplex?

Below I will list some steps you can take…You need to put together a good list of comparable properties.

Not much industry for decent jobs.

The city's appreciation, vacancy rate, cap rates are truly unparalleled when compared to the other markets you’ve mentioned.