Your credit will only be hit once if the apps are all within a couple weeks, and this will give you the opportunity to make an apples to apples comparison.

I'd rather see a comparison of dollar amounts rather than percentages - they may have similar percents but the absolute dollar amounts should be quite different.  

Chicago is still pretty cheap in comparison. 

Aside from the standard BR/BA count and square footage, I always focus heavily on the listing pictures for any comps I pull in my area - finding a comp that's as close to your property's condition and finishes will give you the best apples-to-apples comparison possible.I also wanted to second @Tim Swierczek's input: nobody in Minnesota likes moving in the middle of winter.  

You are right , lot of variables and a very difficult comparison, thanks for the tip, will search the forum 

I have not done enough comparisons to know which is more accurate (need subscription for Rentometer and Rentcast to get full access which I do not have). 

Great points from @Doug Smith and some I will be leveraging in my own work.We do some "pitching" of startups to landlords and while not a 1:1 comparison we generally also leverage the credibility of the team or consultants that the startup is using to mitigate their risk. 

There is no comparison. 

When one comes up, be ready to act quickly and decisively.And yes, sometimes that means paying over asking—but don’t get caught up in that comparison.

I would look at wisp as an alternative comparison when talking to realtors.