That said, I do think it's possible to make the property nice enough to command better renters. 

Could you command $12.50 or $13?   

If the average SFR rents for $700, I'd want to buy property that command $850 (just making up numbers). 

Most consumer underwriters don't understand self-employed lending well enough to have a command of business returns and financials, so you might not get the question, but you will at least be prepared.

To be honest, the housing stock is so limited in the entire Bay Area, including Santa Cruz County, that any home is commanding a premium and mobile homes are not an exception. 

Overtime you can look at a specific neighborhood and at least posit if there's a "rent ceiling" or what the average unit will command for rent. 

There are probably a lot more then just that too.I am personally hooked more on single families right now because when it comes time to sell, you are selling them to more then investors and can command a price that investors won't be excited about. 

. - Purchased 1st property - a 2 bedroom turnkey on Long Island (Mastic Beach NY) - house is raised and commands between 1600 and 1700 a month rent. 20% downpayment - taxes around 4500 yearly - OUR ROI is looking to be around 20% yearly (based off downpayment)-We have 40 k left which can get us into another property, however where do we go from there?

What do the neighboring properties that command higher rents have?

@Aaron Nelson  The inside of this property has some good character (de-cluttering and re-painting will likely do wonders), and I think the broker is figuring the large sq footage will command a premium vs other similar 3/1 & 1/1.