But in talking to lenders, I learned they don’t accept rent from spare rooms because it’s in my primary residence, the reasoning behind which I don’t understanding since that’s an extra $2650/month in addition to my W-2 income.

I tried a few local CPA's and I was not impressed with their understanding of REI.  

Zestimates use macro-market data that seldom understands the market.

I thought I knew the numbers, thought I was smart, but please fellow BP readers help me understand and teach me why people seem to be paying these prices. 

I am trying to understand something about the background history of a Manhattan building that was purchased 6 years ago by a developer in order to turn it into luxury rentals.

., has changed my mindset and with each listen or read it only increases away from the way I used to understand money. 

So I'm trying to wrap my head around it; (I'm sure I won't be getting this house but just understanding the process). 

Need to understand what your dealing with.. but to talk to an attorney over 50 bucks not sure on that one :)

Hello, I recently graduated with a degree in Finance and Real Estate which gave me a lot of experience as far as understanding the numbers, finance, and business side of real estate but I do not have much "hands on" experience as far as fixing appliances, home ownership (I've rented up until now), etc. 

As for the question about recommended cash reserves, I'm not sure I quite understand.