If you don't have a second quote, just throw out a number you would be comfortable with.

I had figured the vacancy rate on the higher end of estimates I've seen but didn't completely feel comfortable with the 10% estimate.Another concern I have is finding adequate property management at 10%.

This clearly is an area that I need to practice practice practice to get more comfortable with the numbers.What have others found to be helpful in their comfort in being confidant in their ARV calculation?

If you are comfortable with this method and bottom line then you really have answered your own question.I personally don't agree with your strategy to live in the property for 3-4 months to "take advantage of the FHA down payment guidlines".

I wasn't rushing him I wanted him to feel comfortable.

When I was talking to the owner on the 8th of March (two days before she vacated), she indicated that she'd feel more comfortable with her finances if I could commit to a date that I would take over the payments.

It flooded the whole house about an inch or two except the kitchen and formal dining.

Are you comfortable with the neighborhood?

Because I am just getting into real estate, I feel more comfortable investing in the same place that I am living in.

But I'm comfortable that with a 93% occupancy average, I will still come out ahead at $550 a month on the cash flow.$350 might be a little on the low end so depending on the house type (built in 90's yes, built in 50's no), the equity capture, etc, I might pass on $350 or I might say yes to $350.But I just think that a buy and hold investor needs to be most concerned with cash flow and this should give you a solid way to compare apples to apples.Here's one example of a deal I just closed on two months ago that isn't really a great house but it is a great cash flow house.3/2 ,1450 sq ft but a much older home (50's).