@Tamara Smith Short term rentals can be a great way to increase your cash flow, but be careful about the specific locations you choose as the laws for each municipality are different.

Make sure you are operating within the law.

Depending on your State Law, some must live inside the rental for a year in order to sell it (flip it). 

If you are strictly wanting to practice calculations, then, you could use sq. ft. and apply several different price metrics.  

I live in Topsham and have an accounting practice in Brunswick. 5 years of analysis is a long time!

I've been skeptical about getting the contracts that most people have been using because I want to them to be legit and explanatory so I am protected under any circumstance regarding the laws in New Jersey. 

I don't know the laws around returning the security deposit.

Eviction but it really depends on the state laws. in NY I know tenants that don't leave after their lease is up by law can stay on the property till the sheriff comes to evict them and that can take a pretty long time of people living there rent for free. 

Not sure your laws, but you can buy a very accurate water meter for under $200 and installs quickly.

Each state has their own laws regarding “diligent attempt to serve, serve by posting, or service by publication”.I assume you bought title insurance, start there if necessary.