have to play the hands that are dealt you.what mitigates it on the west coast is the property could go up 200 to 300k in 5 years. thats were the money is made.or maybe not.. but to me west coast rentals and rust belt rentals and what constitutes a deal are just apples and oranges. 

Expectations - some cash flow but willing to be patient for the "Apple effect"! 

So it will not be an apples to apples comparison looking at these three.

I realize it is not really a apples to apples comparison because 1) you have paid for the land 2) You are giving up a garage. 

Apple or Amazon won't sell me a couple of shares based on what they were worth in the past-- choose any moment on the timeline-- last week, last year, 20 years ago--- it simply doesn't matter.  

If you are talking of the BP calculator I usually do it on a per building basis so I add up the rents just because the mortgage Is for the whole building and expenses like water, insurance, taxes lawn care, snow removal will also be for the full building makes it easier to compare apples to apples

My 2 cents, Elk Grove is more of a bedroom community for commuters although Apple does have a campus. 

Obviously you could add the fees in for AirBnB but I'm trying to work out the best way to compare different data sources that aren't actually apples to apples.

To be fully transparent, I will disclose challenges for securing the financing - Understanding local regulations, requirements, and HOA's (this is some heavy lifting). 

Create an online storage account with Google Drive, Dropbox or Apple drive to save files such as Reciepts.Open up a separate bank account / credit card that you just run your rental expenses.Open an excel file or accounting program to properly classify your rental expenses.Best of luck