When you analyze a market properly (1% Rules aren't properly), you're analyzing all the properties in that market at the same time.It's even more dangerous for newbies to use any Rule of thumb.Rules of thumb are nothing but shortcuts, which seems to be the growing method of doing anything now. 

Lastly, I make sure that we are double checking and doing proper due diligence - I walk the property and do an in-depth investor walkthrough for them, we do a home inspection, we have a licensed GC to walk and write up an itemized bid, etc.And to answer the last part of your question, one of the hottest markets is Columbus Ohio!

Sounds like its time to sell since the HOA fee just doubled which usually means the HOA has not been managed properly and failed to build a strong reserve account.

There is a safety and follow up piece to have the proper information.

@Chris Kay to learn to properly DIY manage you have two basic options:1) Trial & fire on your own, hopefully not making a major mistake that costs you tens of thousands of dollars.- Once your time is more impotant to you then the cost of a PMC, you can hire one.2) Hire a PMC to guide you on your first rental and learn from their expertise.- You can buy additional properties and DIY manage those, perhaps leaning on the PMC for any issues you're not sure how to handle on your own.Good luck:)

Most inspectors will know that properties only need to meet whatever the code was when they were built, not current code and they usually explain that properly IME.

Contrary to what everyone seems to be saying these days, a good agent is worth their weight in gold.

but working with someone who is local to your market, who can show you their legal documents that they have used, introduce you to a proper title/attorney office for drafting documents...I mean, nothing is foolproof...but that route will have a significantly higher success rate. 

I notice you didn't say you'd actually seen the tenant's policy.Are they properly licensed?

Very few people have reached financial independence...and others that have reached it that keep working do it for personal satisfaction.Incidentally, most of us consider real estate, done properly, to be lower risk than the stock market, which is why we invest in it.