Understanding demographics is the key to success in the single-family rental market, according to panelists at IMN's Single-Family Rent Forum (East) held in Miami Beach last week. And for this asset class, that often means considering the needs of Millenials and blue-collar workers, who are increasingly looking for high-quality and varied amenities. 

Dog parks and trails, fitness centers, saltwater pools, flex space, electric vehicle charging stations, yard space and drains in parking garages for dog washing are all amenities potential tenants look for in single-family rentals, the speakers said.

Jenelle Berry-Cook, chief revenue officer of MCB Capital said although features like smart locks or smart hubs for thermostats are seen as a norm for most renters, their popularity has grown in the past few years and they're now something that even Class B property owners have had to embrace.