Buffer Zone when estimating rent

[Austin Keelen]

Estimating the exact rent in particular areas of NJ has been challenging for me. I've been using rent-o-meter, craigslist, and padmapper to get a general idea but in the more rural areas with not many comps its been difficult. Also since I'm new, I don't really have the seasoned eye for particular areas, whether wood floors mean I can charge more, how much and additional bathroom/bedroom adds the rent etc. 

So while I'm still learning these things I've been giving myself an extra buffer zone when it comes to cash flow. Ideally (since I'm putting down $0 since its a VA backed loan) I'm shooting for $200 cash flow after we move out (house hacking to start), but since I may be off on the rent I can get, I'm only taking a serious look at properties that cash flow for $400+, so if I'm off by $100 on each unit, I won't be hurt.

Does anyone else give themselves a little wiggle room when they run the numbers? Just in case you're a little off?