Based on nearby 1BR comps at 600 Wooddale running around $840–1,000 and this unit already listed at $975 with utilities included, realistic rent potential today sits roughly in the $950–1,050/month range. At an all‑in price near 45K, gross payback is extremely fast at about 3.5–4 years. Wooddale/Goodwood is a solid working‑class pocket of Baton Rouge with steady rental demand but modest rent growth. Features like fresh paint, new fridge, central HVAC, ground‑floor access, and a large private patio all help with absorption and justify pushing toward the top of the local 1BR range, especially with utilities baked in. The main challenge is property age and the C‑class feel of the corridor, which caps how high you can realistically drive rents versus more upgraded Mid City/Bocage submarkets.

In the short term, I’d focus on light but visible value‑adds: modern lighting, updated cabinet hardware, maybe resurfaced counters, and improved patio privacy/screening. Those relatively cheap touches can support $25–75/month in extra rent and reduce vacancy. If you’re considering selling, this is the kind of unit that really pops when marketed as a turnkey 20–25%+ cash‑on‑cash style rental. Highlight the low taxes, utilities‑included setup, and the very short gross payback period to attract out‑of‑state investors looking for sub‑50K doors with simple management.