I would think any reasonable methodology would be acceptable, or at least defensible.  

But with the right methodology, you can at least understand where you might be in the various scenarios -- and buy right.  

. - espousing methodologies which may eventually run you afoul of the CRA and regulators here in Canada.If you search here on BP you will find many threads on Lease and Option agreements and tenant buyers.  

But, of course anyone working in Finance knows that amortization isn't an interest calculation methodology... it's a PAYMENT payment. 

I've not had a tenant get deported, but I've had a few get tossed in jail and that was the end of them.You may want to inquire of the background check methodology the PM is using.  

I  can give yu some good pointers though PMGood Luck"@Jason - I was intrigued by your response because my partner and I was literally talking about the very same topic today (absentee mailings).Part of our discussion was mailing to "owner occupied" properties with equity.Obviously there are some minor disadvantages of course such as "waiting for them to move (longer close times)", etc but I agree with your methodology of "thinking outside the box".I'm seriously interested in what you are "doing different" in terms of mailing parameters for these "owner occupied" properties.I don't expect you to "give anything away" nor am I expecting any handouts but my partner and I have dissected this subject over and over and it would be nice to have some insight from someone who is actually having success with these "owner occupied" lists.I'm local here to the SF Bay Area as well and I can't even begin to tell you how many calls I get from people who complain about receiving so many different inquiries from others trying to "buy their house".Any additional insight you can provide on the forum or via PM would be GREATLY appreciated..Jimmy

Otherwise, why do something like this that is so easy to see is wrong.Yeah, yeah, yeah, we still gots our creative screening methodologies to fall back on.

They also are confident in making lower offer and truly can explain the methodology behind the offers to listing agents to help push the needle.

The goal right now is to learn the fundamentals, understand valuation methodology and then jump right into the deep end and navigate my way around. 

Marie Poe Thanks for your feedback.I feel like condos are like any other real estate investment - as an investor, you have to become an expert in that category so you understand what to look for when you are reviewing the deal and you develop a methodology that is predictable and repeatable.