They use an economic vacancy figure instead of breaking out loss to lease, bad debt, and concessions so as to conceal their assumptions but a skilled operators can reverse calc it.

This will give you a clear idea of what the house might be missing, and or need and gives you time to make those changes/additions before your first group.Another tip: I think it is natural for bigger properties to have more vacancies during the week/slow season.

At my other location, I currently have 6 rooms with three vacancies and totalling 4 at the end of the month.

Even in the nice locations, most top out around $2,800.Of course there is also your increased insurance, vacancy, repairs, CapEx, and the never mentioned reduced rent on the main house since having a stranger living in your backyard usually isn't appealing to most renters. 

As a first time and out of state investor, my top priorities for this first investment were (1) a property that would be quick to rent (as I didn’t have other properties to offset extended vacancy rates), and (2) a very strong local PM team that RTR had extensive success with.

It's crucial to choose a market with steady job growth, low vacancy rates, and tenant demand.

I have the ability to cover all the expenses if there is vacancy, which this property has low vacancy.

We see a lot of success in the suburbs:Purchase: $80k-$130kRent: $1100-$1500 (no rent control in MI)1% rule: .9%-1.4% rule dealsCoc ROI: 5-12%Total ROI: 20-40%Cash flow: $50-$250/door (after all expenses and budgeting for maint, capex, vacancy)Appreciation: 3-10%+ (has been double digit for a decade)Location: C+, B-These numbers are based on the “sweet spot” in Metro Detroit.

Higher maintenance and vacancy create less cash flow.

I have that worked into the proforma as a vacancy line item.