I have character, pride, integrity, honor, ability, talent, passion, creativity, intelligence, wisdom, code, and as a 44 year old man and father of two young children, I still have some energy and tricks up my sleeve.  

In other words, despite how financially intelligent this scenario can be, ONE WRONG MOVE and suddenly it would've been cheaper for you to rent a 4 bedroom colonial in the nicest neighborhood in town by yourself.  

We rented the property for $500 when we first bought it.Ben is a great guy, an intelligent guy, an arrogant guy. 

I read Benjamin Graham' (Warren Buffet's mentor) book, The Intelligent Investor, and it's amazing how the principles are applicable to anything including real estate. 

I know so many bright and intelligent men who are in this business who are frozen with fear and inaction.

We've got some capital but my husbands school loans total roughly half of it so we are trying to go about this intelligently to maximize our potential for long-term success.

(remember his rent is artificially high but they get a discount for paying on time) Ok that is extra income, not lowering expense

Demand is high and supply is super (although artificial) low thus price increases.

Uncle Sam is keeping rates very artificially low to help pay the bills.

So the seller might have different circumstances and deductions which make their costs artificially low.