Rent Calculator, which do you use?

[Michael Randle]

Hello all,

Since the amount we rent our properties out for is so important as to our overall financial goals and business models I am surprised I do not see the question asked more often.

What software/website do you use to determine your current rents? Or better yet if you are analyzing a deal where do you go to get accurate data to see if you really are getting a good deal?

I kind of assume not everyone just crunches raw data on every property you are looking at, and the 'gut instinct' and knowing the area doesn't seem to work for out of state investors. If you are trying to do the anaylize 5 properties a day practice you need to have at least accurate numbers.

I do understand that there are a lot of variables, like square footage, finishing, etc. But I am looking for just general sites or software in which people use that have been fairly accurate in guestamating rents.

Thank!

[Dustin Beam]

I just check Zillow, then Craigslist, then rent meter.com for comps in the area to get a good idea what things rent for. Adjust for things mentioned like size, bedrooms, bathrooms, finished, etc.