So your short term high interest loan shouldn't be a huge factor AS LONG as you are comfortable with the payments.Heres a phrase to have your agent ask the selling side on the property (THIS IS DEPENDENT ON HOW MANY DAYS ON MARKET) "Good evening Mr.

@David Campbell Are you comfortable working with your CPA remotely?

I agree with @Michael Ablan, start low and work your way up to as high as you feel comfortable on your numbers. 

New floors throughout, completely new kitchen and two baths and opened a wall that once separated the kitchen and dining room.

A lot of times if the relationship isn't fully formed and they aren't comfortable yet, that sounds like something that they would say.

We need to examine if you can comfortable keep making the payments to those credit cards too. 

@Clayton CererAre you comfortable working with your CPA remotely?

My buyers were already up to their comfortable max, but didn't want to lose the deal over a few thousand, so we put a $3000 escalation with a $500 escalation factor.

The living room/dining area/kitchen (15'x17') are all in one room and they feel fairly small to be used as a living space.

With no debt, wife, and kids, it sounds like you are able to build yourself a very comfortable cushion before you dive into the business.