The allowable rent increase is not typically the big issue with rent control, the bigger issue is getting rid of poor tenants that pay their rent.

Networking with local investors through BiggerPockets, Facebook, and meetups can help you navigate the market, while avoiding common mistakes like underestimating expenses, poor tenant screening, and hiring the wrong property manager.Good luck!

@Melissa SejourRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

As you already know, the quality of the investor agent will speed up your learning curve, and save you money, time, and headaches. 

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

Still, this is a poor time in the rental season and 1 months rent can be expected as a cost of vacancy (in addition to the cost to clean and touch up - $900) .Finally and I hope this is is the last one lol - Another tenant is moving out Jan 31st and this unit also requires a full cosmetic rehab.

and you will have many many applicants assuming the quality of the rental and the rents requested.  

You also need UX, support, quality, a million other things.

You can also find many examples in the forums of people experiencing poor valuations due to lack of comps.

@Rory DarcyRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?