You need to estimate your expenses as accurately as possible first. 

I view investing for appreciation (with negative monthly cash flow) as gambling.

Its a gamble in my opinion.

@Fran Rivera, I would caution against using Zillow for an accurate estimate on the property.

IF anyone could accurately predict what phase of these cycles we were in, they probably wouldn't tell US about it.

I'm out of state so it was kind of a gamble for me to hire them, but they've been great. 

It was helpful in developing an accurate pro forma (for the lender AND for myself) and I was able to build a T12 from the data. 

s response might have come off a bit too direct, the information he provided has merit - whether or not every assumption made was accurate for your friend's particular case.If I were your friend, I would look for another place or attempt to renegotiate the lease with the landlord. 

.), not just cash return, but that starts to get a bit speculative.To be clear, I'm sure the answer is that I'm not looking in the right places, or perhaps not analyzing accurately.

Hi Sarah, How about you contact a Realtor to give you an accurate price on the property?