I have a few that receive discounts for services like @James Wise mentions.In an environment of ever increasing utility costs and rising taxes, sometimes the best I can do is raise a good tenants' rent by, say, $25, then include an addendum with that rent raise that 'reduces' their rent by the same amount for continuing to pay on-time and in-full with no neighbor complaints.  

The blood levels had just been brought way down by the EPA so lots of people were testing positive.

Raising rent not an option in this place... already at top end for a 1968 building. 

Raising rent not an option in this place... already at top end for a 1968 building. 

For the most part, I think real estate investors around here will look for certain things:Jobs in the areaPopulation growthSchool districtsLandlord friendly government(s)Other investment and retail buyers entering a marketThere are also 'gut feelings' people have when they're raised in an area or have a lot experience with this.

But whatever you do, don't be tempted to raise your already-established Maximum Allowable Offer just because the Bank thinks they can squeeze more out of you.

You need to factor in physical vacancies, rent lost to lease (you raise rents but can't raise on people already there), bad debt (not everyone pays), and concessions (free month on move in!)

I'm 24 years old and was born and raised here in Arizona.

I have always been interested in real estate investing, but the security of full time employment & raising my family took priority.

Also as a realtor, is their a sense of bravado because you passed a test and have access to MLS?