What is defined as the asset, the individual apartment complex, all Multi Family in the MSA, Multi family nationwide, and what is the benchmark?

In my preliminary evaluation, I use Zillow and rentometer as a benchmark.

It will be assessed based on comps, but you should always ensure a property meets your cash flow and cost per unit benchmarks.

After all this is not rocket science or possibly the bench mark for entry is so low that for most this is rocket science.I know a load of people in many business and each has answers for problems and situations.

Next is to just network with other investors in the area and hear their advice on what zip codes are good, what returns and rates they're seeing so you can benchmark against that and really just taking action on looking and analyzing deals. 

I've been doing research online but wonder if there are any tips / tricks that people use as a general benchmark (understand almost everything's negotiable, dependent on situation, etc.).- HOI: I couldn't really find much on how one estimates this, any color on this would be appreciated.- Cosmetic Contracting Work (painting, flooring, etc.): understand this is a large variable but was wondering if people have any benchmark tips.

This helps to determine whether or not the deal will work for the client and it also sets the benchmark for our network of contractors -  keeps pricing in line. 

Those will be your bench mark deadlines.It can be tricky timing that. 

@Christopher Nemlich investment property rates are generally .5 - .75 higher than current benchmark rates. 

@Ahmad Zaraei,That formula works as a pretty good benchmark, but can vary depending on where you are.