But at that point, the other properties are so geographically distanced (~5-10 miles) that I think it would be unwise to classify them as comparable properties.How do you currently get around having limited data to work with?

Yes there is a lot of research and you need to get familiar quick with legal descriptions.

In the description it mentions that "landlord pays water, hot water, and common area electric."

Get a good pic of the front and any other finished areas and give a good description.

While I realize each geographic market is vastly different in terms of acceptable cash on cash returns, I'm curious for what benchmarks or rules you have set for your business to ensure long term financial success.For example, I evaluating a property right now with 11.86% Cash on Cash and that includes 10% vacancy, 12% PM, 5% Cap Ex and 10% Repairs. 

@John Matthews We just closed on a duplex in SC with a great COC with a conventional 15 year mortgage (3.875%)Sale price:  $53KDownpayment:  $13,250 (25%)Income:  $12,240 ($1020/month (total...both sides))Expenses:  Taxes $1020Insurance $480Repairs $1200CapX $1100Vacancy $979Debt Service $3499No PMCash flow $3928/year (29%)They can be had....but it took me months to find this one and I haven't found any others in the small geographic area just south of Charlotte, NC where we focus.

@David Krulac  Oregon is a strange place.. it only has 3.5 million residence's in a state that is HUGE geographically. 2 million live in the Willamette Valley that's an area 90 miles X 20 miles .Rural Oregon has been in a state of depression  since the spotted owl killed the timber industry in the 90's...

Does the description provide enough/wanted info? 

I’ve explored modular, too, but I’ve bumped into similar issues (project too small, multi-family not in the company’s wheelhouse, geographic proximity incompatible, etc.).

As I'm sort of new in town, I'd estimate that less than 10% of my contacts (in gmail, facebook, linkedin) are not close enough geographically to make them people I'd market to for local home buying/selling.