If you are an agent, then look in MLS for historical data over the last year or two in the area and type of investment your clients are looking for (say, "2bdrm/1ba condos in Arlington").

To give you a sense of how much of an issue a major road is, in my market, after much calculating and data tracking, I normally minus around $80K or around 10% off the comps to estimate ARV if the house backs to a major street.

(Emphasis mine)http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/896878/000089687813000149/fy13q410-kdocument.htmCall 'em up, Joe, and tell them they are fly-by-night.

Free isn't really free, after all.You can pull data at the recorders's office or you can subscribe to a real data service.The service we use costs $59.95/month for the pro version.I'd post it here but moderators will delete it.

Just for giggles I did some quick math to determine 2012 expense ratios (Expenses/Gross Income) for a couple of my properties for which I have the data handy.4-Unit: 52%SFH: 35%2-Unit: 78%2-Unit: 34%2-Unit: 28%Sort of a scatter-shot...and it will be different in 2013 as new maintenance and repairs are done on some units, and other units require less upkeep as compared to this year.My experience (and I'm by no means the most experienced REI) is that the 50% rule is pretty close for my portfolio.

However, one year actual data is all I have for my properties since I have only started investing recently (late 2011).

@Mike D. there are a number of sources for rent data.

Here are a few of the issues that go along with the change:- We currently have all of our data on an SQL server and will need to get it transferred if we go to a cloud-based solution. - Many employees at the company have been here 30+ years and are not fond of change or new technology.- We have many Crystal Reports that we had custom made to the boss's specifications.

I can attach a screenshot with personal data blurred out, but here's an example of the text I see:Member Number Creditor Status Narratives COLLECTION / COLLECTION Collection account Account information disputed by consumer and then the next column:Industry Code Account Number Collection Services 35803973001Beyond that, it's just the dollar amount of what is owed and the dates related to when the account went to collections, the last update, and when it was closed (no entry for that). 

Do you know of any data available to make an educated guess on the kind of vacancy rate I should expect from a 4 bdrm home in West Nashville.