How should I compare/evaluate an existing apt complex (not my own) vs a condo I'm trying to rent?  

There are many comparable sales within the street and area justifying our asking price.

I called around to several locksmiths to compare prices and all are similar.  

I would look for a restoration service like Servpro that specializes in fire/water damage, as compared to a contractor.

I think it is a case where there is no right or wrong answer across the board and each deal has to be viewed by its merits, returns, and how much is being lent compared to your own investment both time and money in the project.

this would be my first deal and i am not sure if its even worth looking at.listing price is 795,000 (i would offer lower) which is comparable to sfh in the same area.first unit rents at 2400 1b/1bsecond unit rents at 1800 1b/1bthird unit is not permitted and currently rents at 800(this would be my residence in a house hack situation)property tax is 3300 a yearthis is a older house that has been maintained(new roof/siding/kitchens)with little experience i would say this is a b+ a- house in a B B+ neighborhoodproperty is in downtown Napa which gets a lot of tourist activity vacation rentals go for 300 per night averagefinancing is through a partnership passive investor using 200,000 down to get tradition financing title will be in my nameit must be noted this is the first house i have seen with any cash flow. listing prices are high, stock is low and people buy for appreciationthis house is nowhere near the 50% or 2% rules am i crazy for looking at itthanks in advance and let me know if i need to give more infoCasey

Long story short, since your marketing budget is small compared to the other players in this market you have to make up for that with a lot of network marketing. 

I liked the straightforward approach and collegiality.

If you have to borrow hard money, or are looking for a huge return then it's definitely dried up compared to 2/3/4 years ago.  

And compare SBL numbers on the contract with the tax record to make sure they match and you are looking at the correct lot assessment.