You are trying to identify comparable properties, comparing apples to apples, or like to like.

Hi bp'ers!

This is John, and I say this is a great community!

I, like many of you here, would like to start focusing on low-price SFHs to start out. I am in my 30's and currently own just one rental property in Bos...

@Mindy Jensen I'm extremely predictable in that I fly with United (to where I invest) and I rent a Ford Explorer (it has Apple CarPlay) from Enterprise. 

It is also important for investors to self police so the bad apples don't ruin the reputations of decent honest investors.

You're not comparing apples to apples...on many fronts:  1 - Cash on Cash Return is based on only the first year of investment. 

Real estate investing is often perceived by outsiders as a way to get a quick buck (flippers) or that everyone is a slum lord (buy and hold)....there are bad apples in every crowd, but thank goodness for such a great group of people here on BP! 

And of course, there are 9 bad apples kicking the tires that every agent deals with, before landing one good deal.

It's like every profession I'm sure, a few bad apples ruin the whole bunch.

So you really need to clarify this when looking at comps; it's truly apples and oranges otherwise.The listing agent shared with you they had a financed offer at $255k, and a cash offer at $210k - both offers seem to be aligned with your value estimates...yet you're assuming their lying and considering raising your offer to $200k?

Now, you can get greedy (as I probably would be in this situation, putting aside the worry that one of the Airbnb guests are a bad apple and destroy the place / stay around and you have to evict them).It could be a win-win.