Here is a relatively intuitive tool I have found useful when evaluating rental properties:www.goodmortgage.com/calculators/investment_property.html

I find this helps me get more comfortable and helps build some intuition in terms of being able to gauge the overall picture before doing a complete analysis on the property.

Your intuition is mostly correct. 

I also agree with the other responders here, that a lot of it comes down to your team, knowledge, PLUS a little female intuition!

My intuition tells me there are a lot of great deals outside the US.

Including your last name in the business name seems counter-intuitive, but I know many investors do it.

I haven't had good luck with Rentometer or other automated comps.So, two additional considerations:It's counter intuitive, but I believe that if you have a good understanding of rental rates for the city, and the street/immediate neighborhood of your rental, you can get pretty dang close... even if the street doesn't have any comps year by.  

It just seems counter intuitive to pay rent when you could live in one of your units for free or cheaper than what you're monthly rent payment is.

My agent/lender are saying to up my range but that seems counter intuitive to my goal since the rents are already too low for the home prices.Any insight is greatly appreciated.Thanks.

Still a great little app and very simple and intuitive to use.