Don't connect the two.To figure out the lease payment you will be making, take your rental income as a starting point and subtract all the expenses you will be handling (paying), then the desired cash flow (if you don't make positive cash flow, why bother).  

your ability to get join / ask your question is great, but i have to agree with members that you need to figure out what you desire as an end goal, be honest with yourself in regards to what you are and aren't willing to do for it and while your at it, It might be wise to set down with your agent and determine if you have the right one.  

Its ALL about the numbers.I may like something but if it doesnt fit my game plan or doest calculate to my desired return I dont purchase it. 3/2 will cost more - does the income compensate for it?

Dennis, I have heard of cases where SD-IRAs were used for the purposes you desire.  

The population would have to decrease substantially for rents to go down a lot and that may happen with a major natural disaster or another huge tech bust but for now shortage of land and buildings in desirable areas combined with increasing population will hold up the market.

Real estate requires abstract thinking, an ability to organize variables and constraints to effect a desired outcome.

@Malcom Flenoury,My thoughts and desires to get people together are similar.

The desire to own a home in an established area like this, has encouraged many to invest their time and money in searching the right home in various parts of Atlanta.

I found some really great one's in very desirable markets but again in my area even the blighted properties are $200k to $300k, but they will retail for $400k to $600k.  

I know it's not needed but it's a desire of mine and It will help me with networking.