Hi Nick, the 25% down payment is typically standard for investment properties.

Aside from the standard BR/BA count and square footage, I always focus heavily on the listing pictures for any comps I pull in my area - finding a comp that's as close to your property's condition and finishes will give you the best apples-to-apples comparison possible.I also wanted to second @Tim Swierczek's input: nobody in Minnesota likes moving in the middle of winter.  

I haven't reviewed the Standard Lease Agreement yet, but all I need is the right to sublet, and possibly some negotiated capital responsibilities (owner pays for repairs over a certain amount or split responsibilities on certain expenses).

Homes are double story standard homes with around 21-24 Squares.

If you can’t quantify risk and don’t understand the mechanics of “weighted” average of expected return and range of returns (standard deviation) then you are at a severe disadvantage and should consider a competent investment / financial manager for your investment capital.  

Unfortunately, the price is pretty standard (average) for the Cascais Centro area and we had already worked the owner down from 1200. 

We do some cosmetic improvements to bring homes to our standard, typically carpet and paint, upgrade lighting etc.

Since posting your listing on multiple platforms had no downside for such a long time, this "post your listing on every platform because why not" became a standard of how to run your STR.

We were able to get standard mortgage financing How did you add value to the deal?

Then trim into standard small lengths.