I was thinking that there are endless amounts of properties in S.

Hopefully they're earnest money was a realistic enough amount that if these demands are not part of the contract and they decide to cancel/break the contract you will get something reasonable. 

I believe you can find someone willing to invest in you if the deal looks great on paper.10% would be a good number.Mine are different as I am lending the full amount (purchase and rehab). 

Some lenders will require minimum dollar amounts.

I just want to confirm when using the 50% rule, we only use it to compare to the mortgage amount and not taxes, insurance, etc.?

I've noticed a decent amount of MF properties available in the South New Jersey area.

Max loan amount?  

The amount of air fare , hotel , rental car, was all a tax write off and well worth it. 

Their security deposit is less than their current month.

I wasn't aware that PM company gets to keep the whole amount.