Vacancy Rates and Rent Rates: - What is your average vacancy rate for properties you manage in the area?

Something to be aware of.We've filled vacancies at our medium-term rental in Denver in January before, but had trouble in November and December, so I don't know if the winter is tough or if its simply the holiday season.I'd be more interested in buying the right place whenever it comes up.

Quote from @John Federic: I ran some numbers for you using the Cashflow Analyzer Pro from AssetAFC.com (see the attached picture).From my perspective, this deal still looks acceptable, even though it won’t cash flow in the first year, assuming a 5% vacancy and 5% for repairs.

We have very little vacancy other than the night in-between guests, but that's a lot of nights over the course of the year.

In most places you are required to make a good faith effort to fill the vacancy and if you fill it prior to the end of that period you prorate what is due.

They do help with reviewing our reports from our property management companies to identify spikes in utility usage on vacant properties, reviewing expenses to make sure they were approved, vacancies, etc.

After moving out, I’d still be out of pocket $750 to $1,500 a month to cover vacancy, capital expenditures, maintenance, and property management.

It would seem difficult to constantly keep a mid term rental rented to where you can make more after vacancies than just renting long term. 

My calculations are based on 2 sets of numbers - the numbers the seller has provided, and my own calculations accounting for 5% for vacancy, 5% for repair, 5% for capex, 10% for property management and actual costs for property tax/insurance.I am trying to decide if this deal is worth pursuing or if I should walk away due to the premium on the homes.

Deeper Dive into Rental Demand:Here are a few alternative ways to gauge rental demand:Local Property Managers: Reach out to property managers in the area for insights on vacancy rates, tenant demand, and how long it typically takes to rent similar properties.Vacancy Rates: Research the average vacancy rates in that zipcode through local real estate reports or rental listing platforms like Zumper or Rentometer.Rent Growth Trends: Check whether rents have been rising, stagnating, or falling in that market over the past few years.