There are very unique opportunities like working with government to build and provide housing, or create a business that renovates rentals for individuals with physical disabilities... flats with wider doorways, handicap accessible bathrooms, lower counter tops, etc. 

If deposits are allowed to be withheld to cover for rent owed you are good to go.Read your state regulations, you are required to know the rules governing your business.

They are also subject to rules governing service termina­tions to multiple dwellings, customer security deposits, payment agencies, back-billing and the refund of overpayments.Municipally owned water suppliers (those of cities, towns, villages, etc.) are not governed by the Public Service Law.

I am a government software engineering contractor from the Washington Metro area.

You  don’t have to tell me how stupid it is-I know- it’s the government.

Rentometer for automated valuationsCheck current listings in HotPads, Craigslist, Oodle, newspapers -- if 5+ unit try LoopnetCall For Rent signs you see in that area of townCheck out property management websites; they typically have all of their available units listed onlineOne way to get a baseline is to check Section 8 government website for the areaHave a realtor run rental comps for you

It sounds like conflict of interest for government civil service employees. 

Today, these same people are most likely working in the service sector.

@Remone Randolph it is likely that you are receiving a government loan (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac/FHA/etc) and the federal government will require your federal taxes to be paid. 

I also am nervous about the Seattle market and what the government is doing there, not to mention the pending crash everyone seem to be thinking will happen within the next 2-3 years.