I do understand that rental properties are a function of appreciation but wish to know what would be the best methodology to understand the overall negative cashflow to asset appreciation ratio or a metric to benchmark it against e.g. % appreciation YoY.

Search for past threads by going to the search function at the top right, selecting forums for the search, and typing in Evolve.

Safety and functionality can also be attractive. 

The online payment feature was broken for a few weeks but is now functioning again.

A few places to start to directly answer your question:Here is our optimization guide (you may need a host account to access): https://www.padsplit.com/host/...Scope of work- https://www.padsplit.com/host-...During the listing process, the onboarding team reviews photos for functionality, safety etc - for example insuring every room has a smoke detector and other items included on our Shopping Guide - https://www.padsplit.com/host/...

Got notified of an off market property already functioning as a STR... what questions to ask?

I use moen and make sure they have the stupid coil and squeeze on function.

Also, it has to function as its own entity separate from you.

Of course, I'm going to call my warm market, brings donuts to RE officers, and attend local business functions, but what are some other things I can do to start filling that pipepline?

Is the followed locations function currently down?