Lots of competition and lots of people factoring in price growth.  

So we're now able to calculate just how much we are saving them, and will probably factor that into future rent increases.

Lancaster/Palmdale has areas that could offer you a good return for rentals - keep in mind that the area has a different lifestyle of living -  more of a family/commuter town than a hip/cool place to live.

Also, the appraiser from the VA will be the determining factor on any required repairs.

Any major factors?

That will give you a better understanding of your water bill expense when your factoring your cash flow and if that's going to make or break your deal.

Besides, you have a duplex, not a single family detached home.If it's a subdivision, you can have external obsolescence (effects on value from outside factors).

Yes, but you will need to factor in influences risks, degree of management and costs of holding assets, investor's time, experience and knowledge being similar, differences in liquidity, marketability of the asset as well as growth or appreciation expectations. 

When we speak about equity build, that refers to factoring in your 120K debt shrinking as you own the home (thus there is real "cash" you are "earning" if you hold long enough).Equity build is important - aside from tax benefit and appreciation, it's why you investing in a corporate bond at 4% is less appealing than in a home that yields 4% after debt service.

Being able to follow directions (or not) is one of my screening out factors....those that can follow directions and know how to 'work' the internet by responding to emails in a timely manner get bonus points.Do NOT depend just on credit score.