I think demand has to do with how many students attend the university, with bigger university towns commanding higher rentals. 

Around here, the older homes are on much bigger lots (more maintenance) and many are from the early 50s through mid-70s, either needing lots of work or commanding higher than new prices after high-end remodels.

And shopping for vacation rentals myself, I've noticed that the ones decorated really beautifully command a significantly higher price.

The houses still command moderate rent, but are dirt cheap.

Any large organization has a chain of command in the shape of a pyramid. 

A private second could command 12-14% ... 

Rents: You can command higher rents with N/Ps in several ways as you are dealing with a corporation, this will fall into a commercial lease arrangement.

" a man convinced against his will Is of the same opinion still " yea dont remember who said that either. and all 10 commandments are great... and we all know who said them!

If they are doing a good job throwing in management services post-sale I can see why they should (in theory) command some sort of premium.  

As a landlord, I have always found that fixing a place up nicely commands a higher rent and allows me a bigger pool of quality applicants to choose from.