i realize they change, and nothing is set in stone, but I'm looking for some benchmark I can use as a reference point.Any suggestions on shopping for a good rate while also avoiding companies that suck to deal with?

I would say that the 50% rule is a good benchmark, but it will depend on the property you are buying.

You will end up handing back the property to its owner - who is fortunate to have someone look after his mutt for awhile and then reclaim it.Long term inflation of around 3% is the benchmark for long term capital appreciation.

Do you have any other benchmark goals you want to hit?

Realtors however can still find deals that would work for what you want to do with a 3-5 year hold.If it's your first home and you don't have a handyman, fixer upper background then I would get a good GC to walk the property with you and give you round figures on the spot for repair costs.Define what the success benchmark is 10 years from now and then work back.  

And then incorporate rewards/benchmarks for every time you make a successful REI and get them on board so not only are you working towards your goal but they're working towards theirs too... example (they talked about this on BP) : Say your spouse LOVES LOVES LOVES taking vacations/traveling.

I yielded over 200% on that property and others since, so this has been my benchmark (ambitious, I know).In the meantime, I was a software developer for several large pharma companies and most recently with Goldman Sachs, while also an active stock market trader.  

Rate hikes in 2018 are expected to slow down activity.Key Takeaways: The Fed's benchmark rate is historically low for the year 2016 The benchmark rate ranges from .5-.75% after modest increases in the year A continuation of hikes in 2018 will result in a downward turn for economic activity"The Fed’s benchmark rate, after modest increases in December 2015 and December 2016, ranges from 0.5 percent to 0.75 percent, quite low by historical standards.

I did not know that the benchmark for being highly educated is holding several doctorates, seems a bit out of touch and honestly not a necessary comment on your part.

Question being, what is a good number to use as a benchmark for cash flow when looking for another rental?