How do you assess particular rental market?

[David Uitti]

This may seem like a super basic question.... I've got my "team" together and my financing and finances are all set... But... How have folks had success assessing a particular town's rental market to truly understand (1) supply and demand, and (2) what different types of properties actually rent for? Is there a easy way to do this other than calling landlords and pretending to be a renter and looking at properties? I am looking to acquire rental properties in south shore Boston, Massachusetts area. Thanks very much. Dave

[Joe Villeneuve]

Rentometer.com.  Ignore the Gauge, just like you should ignore the Zestimate in Zillow.  Look at the candlesticks on the map.  Find the property you are analyzing for a rental, and access the rent to use based on the common properties surrounding the subject property.