Interesting statistics in that article.

Do you have drunk driving statistics from during Prohibition?

This is particularly valuable, because by accessing the MLS, an agent can find what similar properties actually rented for, as opposed to the asking rent, as well as other useful statistics such as days on market (DOM).Once you've got a good estimate, multiply by 12 to get your hypothetical maximum income, or gross rent (this assumes no vacancy - yet).Now you've got to figure out expenses.

But I'd like to know where I can go - either to an individual or the internet - to find market information, statistics, etc.

So I see it as either keep a HEFTY Slush fund or be prepared for anything.You really should spend some time and look at the statistics behind the 50% rule.

And those questions are going to be specific to you and your investing goals/style more than anything.My recommendation would be to pick up a good book on the topic (general statistics is a reasonable place to start) and go from there...

I don't want to be part of the statistics of guys that lost everything over a bad real estate deal.

These reports are helpful for noting trends and statistics that you can use for your business plan and property package.

Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics site, BLS.gov.

The reason I enjoy PPR's model is that they use a statistical model to investing in notes rather than trying to cherry pick them to death.