Comps, cap rate, research. Make yourself knowledgeable within your market area. There is no secret sauce.

BTW, you don't have my permission to use my name or comments in published articles

Market research, home work, experience all are the answer to your question.  There is no secret sauce in this business, sales or rentals.  Experience does matter.  

Cap rate, cash on cash, annual equity build, and the internal rate of return.

Study the comps. Information is everywhere. Visit some, if not all, the current competition. Experience counts!

Knowing what similar properties have recently rented for is a good indication.

Comps are the best way to go. What have similar units rented for in the recent past or current rates. Lyn Sims mentioned the 1% rule that is not really in use any longer in most areas due to rising rental rates. 

Doing a CMA on a S/F/R is fairly simple as you can get your samples from almost every MLS system. Small multi-family and guest houses may require some leg-work and knowing the market.

Comps are avilable on MLS. Experienced investors generally also know what the market will bear. Please do NOT quote me. This is not quite the place to put in such a question and then announce your response may be published.

Of course, I'd consult with a trusted PM for that information. Otherwise, I'd look for web sites advertising rentals in the area, compile similar stats, then determine rent based on an average of size, amenities, location, condition and neighborhood desirability. 

to determine rental value, do a market analysis on rented properties..... same concept as a cma for single family homes...

No idea, sorry.

Find a good property manager, and do some research. 

Similar size in or near the subject neighborhood. I think you might be referring to the old 1% rule which hasn't been valid for quite some years in my area. Ex:  200K pp would equate to $2000 per month. 

Also makes a difference how updated the unit is. Tack on whatever you think you can get over your comps. New remodels rent quicker.

There are no TRICKS to determining market rates. Just make sure the owner knows about the 'xxxxx' that may not be shown in the 'xxxxx' statistics.

I agree the details deserve compensation.

Precision market research, comparable properties, cap rates and extensive area knowledge. If the property is in a particular school zone, we know tenants will likely pay more; walkable property will bring higher rates and property near public transportation will as well.

As much as I hate to say this, but Zillow's rental zestimate is usually about 90% there, if not spot on... at least out here.  I use that as a starting point and compare to the MLS (which few people use) and sometimes Craigslist.  But by and large, Zillow is where +90% of my applicants and rental traffic comes from.  I might get ONE person from the MLS who is refered for free by a friend of theirs who is an agent.

I do not agree to your terms.  Thank you all the same.  I wish you all the best with your article. 

A survey of other rentals in the market

When I was active as a property manager Elizabeth R. Elstien I belonged to The Minot Property Managers Association and we regularly shared information and helped each other out. 

Lucky me, Elizabeth, we are "condo" people.

Similar to a CMA for selling homes, find out what similar homes are renting for in the neighborhood.

When setting a rental rate the best way is to use what has rented previously as a guide. You need to look at size, condition and location as well. Increase or decrease value based on those facts. 

Worst obvious case scenrio: knock on apt/housing doors in area. 

Appraisers can do a rent analysis

MLS Rented comps. Most rental leases allow for owner to increase rents so much per year, etc.

These are not "tricks", there are formulas for arriving at these numbers that requre research and knowledge of the market and market conditions. If you are writing an article, you should be doing that research.

Doug Dawes has your answer

MLS data is often helpful.

Doug Dawes has a wonderful answer. A

I always refer to my property mgr for rental rates.