I am a semi retired technical trainer and writer.

I cringe when I see 80% of the proformas from some semi-experienced folks as well.

The end result is a zoning change from permission to build a single or semi detached home, into the highest possible low density residential use, a rowhouse project.3.

This may also be a good part-time gig when I semi-retire in a few year.4) Standardize, simplify and document all my business processes. 

I've used VRBO.com (Vacation Rental by Owner) several times in the past and am guessing you can get a semi-accurate picture of what you can expect to receive for rents.

Jeff: I plan to set the rate as a delta from one of the Bank of Canada indices; likely either the Convention Mortgage -3yr (V122522) - currently 3.95%; or Conventional Mortgage - 5yr (V122521) - currently 5.34% and only adjust it {semi-}annually.

Semi-annually I inspect the properties.  

It can also give you a better idea of the potential condition of the inside if there are pictures and the previous listings were semi-recent.Also, make sure to monitor the listing, depending on where it is in the foreclosure process (or how long its been since), they may grant access within a certain time frame of the auction.

At my prime... when I was doing it before semi retiring, I was doing 75 transactions a year. 

As a multifamily appraiser, I am trying to think outside the box and come up with a service for multifamily owners (most likely targeting properties with 20 units or more).A current idea I have is to provide a "value monitoring system" that would initially provide a complete "as is" appraisal, then keep an owner informed of their property's position in the market on a quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.