We have built a database based on room prices from various roommate leasing sites. 

That plus your debt-to-income ratio is really going to be the determining factors on your budget for your house shopping.

I was driven through 38111 zip code by a local, @Alex Craig and he explained street by street how different the houses, tenant base and rents were.

you don't just go to a website, write in some numbers and poof, get a proof of funds. you need to speak with a mortgage officer to go through your income, assets, debt, etc. and see if you qualify for it.

For these investments, if they are both properties you are able and willing to buy, I would make a decision based on revenue/expense assumptions.

DSCR loans are based off of down payment, credit score and either actual or market rents so it helps to supercharge an investor's real estate goals and net worth.

cheers,john If your properties are cash flowing they should NOT negatively effect your debt to income ratio. 

Take a look at the list and keep in mind that increases are based on what they used to be priced at (growth) not at relative cost to each other.

All will have about 20% net caps based on cash purchase.

Very involved in the REI community here, sponsors part of the REI Central meetup each month, works with a large portion of the investor base here.