Unless you have a huge sphere of influence that you can tap into, you will need to be innovative and a master at marketing and advertising.

There are some things you can do to influence their valuation though - but only to a degree.At the appraisal, show up with your own data and a really strongly supported opinion of value.

Exceptions to that would be a game of multi-deck blackjack where the cards coming out of the deck influence what cards are still available (which is still irrelevant unless you've been keeping inventory and know which way the remaining deck is weighted).  

- Regarding districts, how have you guys found school districts to influence rent appeal?

The interest rate you get from a lender will influence whether a property will cashflow or won't so you really need that number before you a properly evaluate a property. 

Ruel Baliong don’t worry about outside influences like Realtor, Run your number with BP calculators.

If so, I'd take a very close look at the bylaws- in some cases an HOA can dramatically influence your ability to manage your investment and what your cash flow and appreciation look like.

Monthly snail mail piece to sphere of influence.

So for these, you just need to work out how much less than ARV you care to go.But if you're talking commercial (5+ units), then yes, rent is very important in helping determine value, because their market value is heavily influenced by the market cap rate there!

My business partner and I designed our own cards, printed them out and wrote handwritten notes to everyone that has positively influenced us and contributed to our success!