This is a HUGE FACTOR that is often overlooked.

@Allen Li It's hard to answer your question because so many different factors come into play.

Depending on the class of home you're looking at it could be a factor.

I noticed when asking the office it was a figure of 5.69% so I was curious and factoring in CPI that makes more sense now.So just to clarify: the increase cap (both the 5%+CPI or 10% and twice a year) would apply regardless of being on a month-to-month lease OR a 12 month lease?

What would be your recommendation for a college student who is trying to get exposed to RE in terms of an entry level job?

Payments that you make normally fall into one of 3 buckets100% of the payment can be factored in somewhere on the returnPartial payment can be factored somewhere on the return0% of the payment can be factored in somewhere on the returnHouse-hacking also has considerable tax implications in the event that you want to sell this property.You can potentially defer a portion or all of the gain on the investment property with 1031 exclusion.You can potentially exclude a portion or all of the gain on the personal residence with section 121 exclusion

When I run the numbers on Singles/Multifamily houses I see in Zillow/Redfin It doesn't seem like the best ROI I can get (of course I am not adding any appreciation or other factors as I just started analyzing).

And are the rates as exorbitant as HML , I understand various factors will influence but around 5% or around 10% .

And this doesn't factor in all the plans, zoning, permitting, and interest costs. 

@Peter Fuentes Post-covid times can be a big factor with the market specially when the eviction ban lifts.