Having a substantially greater housing supply would in theory lower market rents in the area, but there will still always be folks who'd never consider an apartment over a SFH.

However, is there any way to help determine who is just blowing smoke vs. those who really know their stuff and can be trusted? 

Also, in terms of deciding whether it is a good investment, location, market condition, demand and supply are equally important. 

Tenant and Landlord will complete a Property Condition Report addendum that will become part of this rental agreement.MAINTENANCE OF PREMISES.Landlord will maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and other facilities and appliances supplied by Landlord in good working order.Landlord will perform periodic inspections of the premises, no less than once a year, for the purpose of property maintenance and repair.Landlord will notify Tenant in advance of the inspection.

@Steve Vaughan  or buy them coffee or a beer  LOL.I had one wholesaler newbie here in Pdx who apparently fell into what he thought was a smoking deal and it does happen.. he hits me on BP.. but won't give me the address or asking price.He wants to meet me first etc etc... we went back and forth a few e mails.. then he says meet me at this cigar bar but the drinks have to be dutch as I am on a budget..

Why do you want to quit smoking?

If you were to supply cross streets that would help a lot.

Thinking supply/demand, rent rates in the area will go down.

It is hard to predict outside of that.There is much better supply and better deals (as far as walking in with equity) in the $300k + price range.

You take them up on this and supply the remaining $20,000 to get the property rehabbed completely and then rented.