Amen

At the local level, factors like the quality of schools, neighborhood safety, access to amenities like parks, shopping and entertainment and a host of other variables come into play.Here are some guidelines to help you ask the right questions as you determine where to invest.Start with your GoalsAre you investing for the long term or trying to achieve a shorter-term boost in value?

@Ryan Johnson we have a database of items that serve as a kind of internal "product catalog" with standard furnishings and amenities (also paired with cost-effective and luxury alternatives).For example, we know the average cost of a shower curtain, bath mats, toiletries, towels, etc for the bathroom.

The question then comes down to weighing the different HOA amounts with the amenities they provide to your rental customers.  

What parks, amenities, and schools are close by? 

It is more about creating a great space with great amenities and building a great reputation.

This could be the case if the HOA is costly (more than is reflected in the rent for the amenities). 

You'd have to provide a little more info about your house (size, location, number of beds/baths, other amenities) for anyone to be able to give you specific advice.

Try to determine value the same way an appraiser would - find comps in a similar condition, with similar square footage and beds/baths/amenities.

It would make sense if there are more amenities available for her that it justifies a higher rent.