[L.P. MARTIN & COMPANY LETTERHEAD]
                              4132 INNSLAKE DRIVE
                              GLEN ALLEN, VA 23060
                             PHONE: (804) 346-2626



                        Consent of Independent Auditors'





The Board of Directors
Cornerstone Realty Income Trust, Inc.
Richmond, Virginia


We consent to the use of our report dated November 21, 1997 with respect to the
statement of income and direct operating expenses exclusive of items not
comparable to the proposed future operations of the property Sterling Place
Apartments for the twelve month period ended September 30, 1997, for inclusion
in a form 8K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Cornerstone
Realty Income Trust, Inc.

                                                /s/ L.P. MARTIN & CO., P.C.

Richmond, Virginia
December 8, 1997