There has got to be a mathematical formula to this...

I'm a 28 year old, 2013 graduate with a bachelors in Mathematics/Computer Science.  

Then mathematically back into your offer price.  

Not that it's high mathematics or difficult but the application of weighted computations is really not taught at the high school level, not being condescending, it's just usually not presented until later on in a formal education in business or engineering or sciences.

What did you do if you did experience accounting numbers that mathematically did not make sense?

And so since I had not properly introduced myself before, here we go:Began as an Electrical Engineering Major, switched to double majoring in Mathematics & Math Education, graduated and taught high school math for a few years, started a family and stayed home.

MarkY,Your location has absolutely nothing to do with the mathematics of operating rental properties.

I have pointed out a couple times that the 50% number is mathematically flawed.

I've always been known as a charismatic people person with a mathematical mind, but I lack most handyman skills.

Thus simplified calculations for a single person are dwarfed mathematically by the addition of a family.