Is there other market wide metrics that apply here? 

It's an old metric that many do not use in today's markets.

To start with, you should probably focus on a few key metrics.

It's important to know your numbers and metrics and that helps do that

. -- lots of factors to consider (including your personal strategy), but here are a few high level metrics to compare the most populous zip codes in HuntsvilleWelcome to drop me a message if you are interested in checking out the full report 

Measuring the input is the only metric that can be controlled.

I think what you're really asking is how to identify good value areas where rents may be trending upward but the prices still remain relatively lower.An important metric is tenant household income to rent ratio.

Best" is very subjective and the quantity of off market leads isn't necessarily the metric you should be focused on.

The second you are introducing metrics to change your marketing that have nothing to do with generating the leads you need, you introduce uncertainty to your systems. 

The "fast turn" metric would suggest that is a hot property.