As for Comps, an appraiser will generally be looking within 1 1-mile radius.

Today it's probably worth half of that, realistically. 

I go a bit further and I look on Redfin for "Solds" of the same general type, sq footage, year built and condition within half a mile of the property that has sold in the last 90 days.

I'm considering turning one unit into a furnished rental to potentially increase cash flow.However looking on Furnished Finder, there appear to be around 100 MTR listings in a 2 mile radius with around 40% currently vacant.

Currently, I’m renting elsewhere, but the property I’m looking at is just a couple of miles from where I live in Baltimore.The house is being auctioned, and touring it in person doesn’t seem possible.

Everyone keeps saying "Gateway to the Smokies" but really the entrance on the NC side is north of Cherokee on windy 19 about half an hour away.

The only thing I have going for me is I own three acres free and clear in Marion county Florida, about 60 miles from Daytona Beach. 

Located in West Orange Texas and just a mile from the new Chevron Refinery that is being built.

Is it ok to pay half of the downpayment for a project upfront and the remaining half after specified scope of work milestones are correctly completed by the GC?

Half was owner occupied and qualified for the 121 exclusion, pretty clear cut so we don't need to worry about that part.