However, my California RE mind sees the prices vs rents and am bewildered by such statements.As of now, these are my desires in properties:a house or townhome built after 2000 - I prefer after 2003 turnkey condition MOST PREFERABLE, but not necessarily a requirement at least a 3+2 neighborhood well kept and not too much crime $50-$100K, short sales are acceptable Close to transportation and/or the fwy Relatively close to downtown and the airport (10-20 min when there is no traffic)Seeking cashflow, appreciation much lesser priorityFor rent of 800, the PP cannot be exceed 60kFor each additional $100 of rent, the max PP can only increase by about $12.5k.If you see immediate issues with these desires, PM me so that we can talk about it offline.

Rents are increasing rapidly and anything near transit is pretty easy to rent out these days.  

This results in 1) a higher monthly cost for initial coverage and 2) rate increases or policy terminations once they start making claims – and these follow you from insurer to insurer.

Of course, such "savings" typically come with increased spending over time versus making the expenditure up front.

You do need to consider the extra wear and tear that can come from certain breeds as well as the increased liability.  

If the economy turns for the worst people still need a place to live, hence the increase in rental need.

Agents will use state approved forms that are standard for your state.Pros and cons to each relationship but I would presume the agent might suit you better.

@Guy Gimenez, any suggestions on how a newbie can increase deal flow? 

As I learned on BP, I don't want to buy a property hoping that the value will increase drastically because the neighborhood will get better over time.

I wouldn't mind the experience and training that is offered there but if the company's standards doesn't fit my aspirations I should try to attain a more fitting path towards moving forward, right?