With the really strong demand the best properties are getting purchased very quickly and often for above the asking price.

They would be the best source to confirm vacancy rates and demand for specific areas.

It builds a healthy respect for the job as well as makes you realize when you are being played by a not so honest contractor. 

Play around with the numbers until you find a starting price to go off of.Hope this helps!

So why play games?

Those two should give you a sense of demand and pricing.

you can convert that one too.Apartments rent on AirBNB all the time, no reason you can't do it - but of course, check out what comparable units in the area are getting, get a feel for demand and occupancy rates, make sure it's going to be worth your while before you proceed.

I also stack my showings 3-4 deep so the potential tenants can see how in demand it is and off set any potential no shows.

I have no idea how it'll play out in your scenario or what the discrepancy was, however.

It would be a long term play for me...building in a highly desirable and rapidly growing area.