Historical Rent Rates

[Wendy Vaidic]

Does anyone have a good source for historical rent rates?  Since rent rates can fluctuate greatly, and appear to be over inflated in my area at this time I would love to take into consideration average rent rates rather than just the inflated rate landlords are getting right now.  Also, is this something you take into consideration as a buy and hold investor or am I overthinking things?

Thanks!