I never go off of a flat percentage on anything, I analyze the costs to get to a specific return I target and analyze the risk that is involved. 70% may be an initial metric to see if it is even worth pursuing, but every deal should be evaluated independently based on costs, time and risk involved.

Sometimes, landlords can find student renters for locations that are further away from the school by targeting niche's like graduate students (who are less inclined to be near the bars and noise).

@Adonis Williams Presumably Vincent has targeted a distressed opportunity.

We target low purchase prices here: $120,000 to $130,000 can get you a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home that can command rents of roughly $1,100.

Many pay to much for their needs as they go for high profile CPAs who are targeting working with "higher profile" clients.

Here’s our OPINION for the Metro Detroit market (use as a template for your target area!)

.), could help you cash-flow while you build equity - best of both worlds.Lastly, targeting properties that have been on the market 30+ days could be a good start.

Brady,When I do my screening for new tenants I would weight the rental history the most.  

We diversify, but because we are active investors, limit our diversification to assets we believe we have a competitive advantage and are able to obtain our targeted “premium” return.  

@Monish Anand My top recommendation is to begin by contacting property management companies in each target area.