Does the interest rate fluctuate or can you lock one in?

I also face higher rate fluctuation.

That is a 50% fluctuation, which tells me that they are not all comps.

Why such drastic fluctuations in price?

In the meantime, it may be beneficial to speak with a financial advisor to help you assess your options and create a plan to address your financial concerns.It's also important to keep in mind that the situation with the bookings on your STR is not necessarily a long-term issue, it could be a seasonal fluctuation and it's possible to bounce back in the future.

Put in buffers in your analysis for some error in market fluctuations.

In short, you have more options, better profit margins all around, and are insulated to some degree from any short term market fluctuations or unexpected events that may occur.

Basically it makes us feel 'comfortable'... if that word is allowed to be used to describe real estate investing.However, for out of state, we find ourselves feeling helpless with what we view as unpredictable markets (fluctuating values, and therefore fluctuating equity positions), long vacancy times (in the Springs, our houses get rented in a week or two, max), and of course, not being able to stop in and physically check out the property and talk with the tenants to mitigate any of their concerns (without having to play telephone through the PM).Basically what I am getting at, is that I am not sure if I just have rose-colored glasses with Colorado Springs due to it being a hot market at this point in time (and when we entered the market), or if others feel the same way in that Colorado Springs has a lot to offer in terms of it having a stable (and foreseeably strong) economy, decent price/rent ratios, and all around good investment potential for a long-term view.  

I got the tax info from the seller but it does fluctuate year to year.

That could also be a factor.Also for the ARV you should spend some time looking at comps to nail down a more accurate number.That is a key metric that you must know since it can fluctuate the deal drastically.