Property Valuation:Investors look at a variety of factors to determine a property’s value, including comparable sales (comps), rental income potential, and location.

I ended up signing with them as well - 3 months in to the lease so far and it's going well.

1) 50% rule is a well accepted generic approximation 2) hundreds of underwriting has shown it to be fairly close for my underwriting for a SFR purchase in San Diego.  

IF it was not on an auction site none of the information would be known unless you do your own research. they could say its a 3bed 2 bath home and you go buy and its burned down (seen that before). 100% is on the person bidding at auction.

There were only three reviews about them on Yelp and they were negative as well.

Known as an Improvement or Build-to-Suit Exchange, the process requires a Qualified Intermediary (QI) to hold the proceeds, and an Exchange Accommodation Titleholder (EAT) typically oversees the improvements.

I know there are a variety of screening practices used by landlords and property management companies.

I do know Walter and have known him for more than 25 years, he is upstanding and he is smarter than the average bear, he's in the deal to help people and I have learned an immense amount from him I am now 67 years old and I bought my very first home by having my parents cosign!

FHA 203(k)The FHA 203(k) is the most widely known renovation loan, but did you know about the Fannie Mae Homestyle Loan?

And private financing can be wise if you are a diligent investor, which it seems like you are:)*If I would have known then what I know now, I would have used my first loan to land the largest deal that I could have.