There is no middle ground with that ridiculous and worthless number.  

In fact, I am in the middle of such an analysis right now for one of my rentals.  

I have set my eyes on starting my career in Los Angeles, but I haven't fully committed for fear that the potential of a newbie getting washed out in a market as big and as fast-paced as LA.

Because I documented changes and their awfully slow pace (and this was not my first renovation) I knew at their current rate they weren't going to finish anytime soon, and so I began to nag.

Is the $1600/month in rent she's currently paying near the top, bottom, or middle of what market rent it?

We're in the middle of a huge seller's market right now, so the MLS deals are sparse.

Buyer needs to counter with what they deem optimal and try to find middle ground both can accept.

I am not looking to buy in the best neighborhoods, but somewhere in the middle preferably. 

Any neighborhood with an elementary or middle school in or adjacent is almost guaranteed to rent out quickly.

I hope one of those memories is not having to run out to the gas station in the middle of the night because one of their children had GI issues and ran out of TP.