There are a lot of safeguards put in place since the housing crash to keep lenders and agents from influencing appraisers too much, but there are definitely things that can be done in order to hit your numbers.Can I ask why you specifically want to use FHA?

Sensitive topic for a lot of lenders, they want to make sure that you dont intend to sell the property / or relist it any time soon if they lend on it.

I don't mean to brush against a politically-sensitive topic, but I do know that there are many people who are willing to work inexpensively if you pay them in cash and don't give them a 1099. 

Free for you, prospect tenant pays directly, you never see Social # or sensitive info

If that puts the tenant in a bad spot then BOO on the seller or former PM for not safeguarding the tenant's needs through the sale with a longer term lease! 

In the SF Bay Area, we have the following:(1) really, really rich people (including corporate/foreign buyers) - they buy what they want when they want to buy - mortgage rates be damned(2) really rich people - demand will typically correlate with the M&A/IPO market (3) rich people/trust fund types - demand will typically move with stock/public market(4) the house rich - massive equity build up in existing allows for a cash purchase or near all cash purchase - mortgage rates may matter but not too much (5) the high tech/professional income rich -  mortgage rate sensitive but not fatal to demand where two tech/professional incomes in the household coupled, possibly, with a nice loan from the parents (6)   normal people - these days, looking at Stockton, Redding, Boise, St.

@Bryan Zuetel you seem very sensitive.

Hedging inflation is crucial for safeguarding wealth and maintaining financial stability in an ever-changing economic landscape.

Our lot was a burn lot from the 2016 fires so we were pretty sensitive about fires.No one has complained about grilling a little further away from the house.

Some areas may have rent stabilization ordinances, while others do not have any specific rent control laws.Given that this is a sensitive situation with a recent vacancy and upset tenant, it's important to approach the matter with transparency and clear communication.