You should consult with local property managers and find what the average DOM would be to lease your home and rental rates etc. this would be a good starting point. 

@Jason Brown - I'm a CT based investor, flipper, and property management company owner.  

Using an unexpected repair as justification for not caring about cashflow as much as appreciation doesn't really address the issue, especially when appreciation also operates on the idea that the property's condition doesn't decline relative to comps.From what I understand about REI and cashflow, cashflow should cover not only PITI, but maintenance, repair reserves, prop management, etc.

Property managers can be great sources for deals.3.

Purchase price: $250,000 Cash invested: $14,000 I purchased and managed a rental property in Chicago, focusing on strategic improvements and tenant satisfaction to increase both its value and profitability.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I'm looking to sell my first home, which I've been renting out for the last 2 1/2 years -- I first contacted my property management company  for seller services, and they initially wanted a year exclusive selling rights.

Connect with other investors, agents, and property managers to get a feel for the area and learn from their experiences.Are you thinking about house hacking or just straight-up rentals for now?

If there is a property manager, your success rate is going to be very low.   

However, some of the best cash-flowing markets on paper can also come with the biggest management challenges.