I am preparing to rent out an upper middle class home in the best school district in Charlotte, NC.  

I know Harrison has one and you have Newburgh, so it seems like there should be something in the middle that we could all put together.

Best would be to do three appraisals and use the middle one. 

I already know that your tax pro will say "no" to depreciating light bulbs and repainting in between tenants (& they will LOL at the notion of depreciating a $2.50 light bulb), but start the "fight" there so that when you're done "meeting in the middle" maybe the new carpets and new water heater get "depreciated" instead of being a "repair." 

Personally I look for 1% rule as a minimum which this does not meet.As for your negotiation, it may be a market related difference but I would have started at asking price and met in the middle.

The second accident I cut the tip off of my index finger, and the side off of my middle finger, all the way to the bone on the pad of it. 

The second is in the middle of rehab. 

Property has a second parcel with 2 car garage as well.I am in the middle of refinancing and the appraiser is saying my market rent is only $1700.

We have the added benefit of being just a couple of hours from Moab which is maybe less attractive in the middle of summer, but an exceptional place for spring or fall adventures. 

I will not own the properties until after closing/settlement, and will be in the middle of the month when this is complete.