I get the sense from her FB page that they have been in the US possibly less than a year.

@Maurice SmithColumbus is a good alternative to west coast appreciation, the numbers still make sense if long term growth is still the #1 priority 

Account for it and ask for either some type of seller credit or price reduction to make more sense of the deal (Before or while you're in your inspection period). 

My question is would it make sense to save for down payment for another primary residence and rent this home out with negative cash flow to get into the REI game.

I don't know if MTR is the right option here, but it would be worth looking into for your client's sake.I don't think waiting until spring makes sense for your client, I would look at the carrying costs and do a price reduction..  

With rising values the assessment makes sense but the assessment raises seemed exorbitant.

@David Jackson - I have a four-unit in the Dells and have looked into STR in the past but it was such a hurdle that it didn't make much sense for me.

I have been a member of the community since 2009 and have loved sharing whatever knowledge I may have when and where it makes sense. 

A SFH could make sense as a house hack if you found one that has an in-law arrangement but otherwise I'd say 2-4 units is the way to go.If house hacking doesn't make sense for you & your family, you'll likely need 20-25% down for an investment loan to buy & hold a property you won't be living in.

Is there a financial calculator to determine if doing a cash out refi makes financial sense with today's rates to use for down payment and or purchase property?