It's good to see actual statistics on this.

Bureau of Labor Statistics data.The metro had 1,142,100 nonfarm payroll jobs in July, which is only 300 fewer jobs — or a 0.03% deficit — than February 2020, the month before the pandemic took hold of the global economy.https://www.bizjournals.com/au...

Google statistics on what most new agents make on average in their first 1-2 and 2-4 years.

When I see jumps in crime statistics that tickles my radar for "chasing ambulances" there to see if anyone's ready to move.MFH in this MLS region is a complete disaster. 

Hi Guys,Do you know if there are any statistics about how many people are behind on rent?

I would push back on this and provide them with local rental comps, and time on market statistics so that they understand what to expect from the rental, and how long it will take to get it rented. 

There are also many online sites that provide crime statistics, if that's your primary concern.It's hard for me to mentally map the zoo/botanical garden in Roger Williams Park to neighborhoods outside the Park, but generally speaking the parts of Cranston that border Providence, around the Park (e.g., Elmwood and part of Broad St especially around/past the cemetery), are a bit tougher than ones that don't (e.g., near Park View middle school or parts closer to Edgewood than Providence).As far as self managing vs. using a property management company, I don't really know your situation - e.g., how far away you are, how much time you have to devote to the property, managing service calls, going there if necessary, ability to do your own work, etc.So that's something you'll really need to decide for yourself - though I would say as a new person, you should expect that you'll be there a bit more than you "imagine" you will be (at least that was my experience when I was new 15+ yrs ago).If you do decide to hire it out, I can recommend a couple of local companies.

Occasionally a warranty can be a good deal, but statistically speaking, you are on the loosing side.

Some statistics have shown housing prices have increased 60% faster than rents over the last 12-18 months.  

Getting to 4.81 on that one out of four units is just statistics playing on you I think.