Quote from zboy2854A:
As a property investor, I use this basic rule of thumb for rental properties:
Purchase price * 2% = monthly rent required
It's a conservative formula, but IME it is the safest one to go with, especially when you factor in vacancy, repairs and upkeep, and possible further reductions in general rents or property values, given the current economic environment.
So in your case on a $70k property if you're putting down 20% ($14k) and financing the rest, you'd ideally want to be able to get at least $1120 a month in rent ($56k * 2%). That would give you a guaranteed cash flow and a margin of safety against falling rents, falling property values, vacancy and repairs and upkeep.
So if $800 is safely the most you can get in rent for the property and you can put 20% down, I'd make an offer to the bank of $50k for the property. Otherwise, I'd pass.
Also, as someone else mentioned, before purchasing be sure to check the condo association docs to see what restrictions they have on rentals. Many will restrict you from renting the unit more than once in a 12 month period, so if you get a deadbeat tenant who disappears after 3 months, you're screwed for the next 9 months...:eek: