Because trillions of Dollars in financial products, investments, mortgages, etc. are linked to the LIBOR benchmark rate, this is a huge infraction and is almost cartel-like in its very nature.

It seems we can benchmark against your property and you bring up some great points.

If you can shoot for getting something that you can pay the mortgage (principle and interest, not including tax/insurance) using the rental income, I think that's a really great benchmark.

It is extremely helpful to have others’ experiences to use as benchmark, as well as hear the different perspectives regarding the Atlanta area.

As far as benchmarks go, the group I work with, Sage Investment Group, looks for a 15% IRR, 2.5x multiple, and 12-15% Cash-on-cash return.

Everyone is familiar with the 70% of ARV less costs benchmark when all is said and done but if those numbers are antiquated or just not the reality of today's market then what is? 

I'm excited about all the options and possibilities to go in real estate after reaching that benchmark.

True, the stock market has averaged around 10.4% since 1929, and this is what is commonly used as a benchmark.

Should I for instance be looking at a specific # of cash transactions from the past year put back on MLS as a benchmark to overly active market (say 125+), or can someone suggest other barometers to consider? 

GRM is the valuation benchmark that looks at a property relative to its rental income.