Once you find out vacancy rates and expected rental returns

Canuck, this is my first posting. I have been trying very hard to learn as much as I can about investment properties. We have just bought one in Redcliffe,Queensland. My question is twofold, 1. how do you find out vacancy rates and expected rental returns. It seems to me that the realestate places will tell you anything they think you want to hear. Secondly, what sorts of things would you do to an investment property to make it more appealing to a good renter?
Thanks so much for all your info so far.
PS I’m originally from Edmonton. You?[]