To know whether or not a property is a good deal you have to stretch your calculations to a 1-year, 10-year and 30-year projection that includes rent increases and appreciation.My business model is to double my investment capital every 1 to 2 year, or to earn a 50% to 100% return on my investment capital every year.

The annual numbers cover every MSA in the country.The first thing I did was create a regression model to see what metrics actually track with rising rent over the years 2005-2017 (2017 is most recently published ACS).

It's been functioning as a rented house-hack and we've been model tenants - never late, do our own minor repairs, etc. - and the PM and owner seem to appreciate us, such that they haven't increased our rent beyond the first year.

You'd have to run the numbers to determine if y'all could make this into a profitable business model. 

Pulling equity from one asset to purchase a second is a very common strategy.I've looked at the fintech model you described.

I really don't understand why cities are restricting this business model, it's so unfair!

In order to be successful with a Zillow business model requires answer calls immediately, like 1st or 2nd ring. 

@Conrad Johnson, the answer depends on you and your business model. 

Then start talking to people who are operating successfully in that space/market and use their models to make it happen

I'd like to learn more about your models as I too am interested in affordable housing.