Basic pointers I'd recommend is to start looking online at your own market as you're learning the concepts to compare them with your market, and get involved with an investors association down there - If I could it would be my first stop in deciding if REI was the right place for me.Welcome to the community Aaron!

I would say if you are saving $2000/mo in rent from comparable apartments that would be considered a success.

Inflation won't matter in a Cash on Cash analysis, since its purpose is to give you a picture of how much actual cash you are receiving compared to your equity.

I'm wondering if even 3 months of showing Rental income via my Taxes would be enough to satisfy to my Lender, that it is " Steady enough " income for them to justify it .... possible ?

In other instances it is best to mix up three methods and compare the prices thereof.As a newbie investor I have begun to use Zillow, but it doesn't seem to be reliable. 

While some of this info is from Zillow, which isn't known for its accuracy, comparable houses in the neighborhood have sold for similar prices.

In order to do this, you need to pull at least 3 comparables (Houses that have sold within a quarter mile of that house in the last 6 months at most).

Although, San Diego has proven to be a great market for appreciation (compared to cash flow).

Investors in NC dont pay 3x property taxes compared to residents. 

This lets us compare what we are doing to how she does things, but still keeps us involved.