An example would be a 5 year loan that will renew every 5 years at a set rate above the then current treasury or benchmark.

The periodic inspections can be the benchmark for when the contractor gets paid and knows it gets done right.I can't think of any better way than having a great home inspector on your team, and I'm surprised that it wasn't mentioned in the episode.

That's fun to crack that benchmark. 156 total, but I have some equity partners on a couple packages. 

I’m curious what benchmark others use for reserves?

In the manipulation of benchmarks such as the interbank borrowing rate these banks were essentially messing with the cost of borrowing of upwards of $450 trillion in loans and derivatives worldwide.

I would say that at least a year is a better benchmark.

@Stephanie Kerr  Try Benchmark Community Bank or New Republic.

Therefore the price you, the investor, paid ($10-$20K) is the only benchmark the appraiser has in constructing the comparable market analysis for the lender. 

Is there at least a "bench mark" of 70%o r 80% of what you believe the value of the home should be when evaluating sending offers?  

Benchmarking is a useful metric to see whether your assets are performing, and comparing your numbers to those of others is a good way to see whether your money would be better invested elsewhere.