This gives you a reliable benchmark for what today's buyers expect.

If you don't get showings, it's one of two things: your pictures suck or your price does not line up with what buyers expect after looking at the pictures.no showings - cut 10%few showings - cut 5-10%some showings, but no offer - cut 3-5% (this is where terms can help)The number of showings is relative, you have to benchmark your market.

Appreciate any real-world benchmarks.

While I know David Meyer (and many veteran BP contributors) often benchmark a 7%+ Cash-on-Cash return as a target for a "good" deal, my current underwriting is consistently landing closer to 5%.The deals that do hit that 7%+ mark seem to be exclusively in C-class neighborhoods, which I’m looking to avoid at this stage.For those active in the market right now:Are you seeing 7% CoC in B-class areas, or has the current interest rate/price environment compressed that closer to 5-6%?

How are rents, occupancy, and cap rates moving compared to national benchmarks?

Write these down clearly.​Step 3: Validate Against Market DataFor each assumption, verify against market data:Cap rates: Use CoStar, PropShark, or call a broker and get reportsRent growth: Use a Broker, Yardi, CoStar, or Fannie Mae multifamily rent growth reports​Expense ratios: Compare to NMREIA (National Multi Housing Council) benchmarks or BOMA (Building Owners & Managers Association) publicationsOccupancy trends: Research submarket vacancy reportsAI: Today, you can simply ask for this information, but please double-check it.Step 4: Perform Sensitivity AnalysisCalculate how IRR changes if each assumption shifts by ±1-2 percentage points.

Add to that a progressive income tax framework that steps down as the state hits defined financial benchmarks — with a clear path toward zero over time — and the long-term math starts to look very different for operators and investors.Layer in financing conditions, too.

Find a benchmark and ask them to match.

The benchmark 10-year yield is hovering near 4.17%–4.20%, up a few basis points, while the long bond approaches 4.80%.

A “good school district” usually means the schools score above average for the state and the area attracts stable, long-term tenants and stronger resale demand.​On common 1–10 rating sites like GreatSchools, 7–10 is considered above average, so many investors treat 7+ as a rough benchmark for “good,” while also checking crime, rents, employment, and local demand.​School rating alone shouldn’t decide the deal; smart investors also look at:Rent-to-price ratio and cash flowTenant pool (families vs students vs young professionals)Neighborhood safety and amenitiesProperty condition and long-term appreciation potential.