I’ll evaluate a property myself and compare with the BP calculators to make sure my math is correct.

Should I consider them when comparing other applicants? 

Remember people who look at your unit have probably looked at  many others. they have a pretty good idea how yours compares.

Since there will not be that many compared to SFHs the cost may be reasonable.

We will convert the condo to rental property at the time for tax purposes and begin to take all advantages offered to us - depreciation, expense deductions, etc.5.)

Hello,Properties ranging from single family residence to 4-plex (1 to 4 unit dwellings) are generally considered residential properties and as such they are valued using recent sales of comparable properties.

The new loan terms will likely be similar to the existing loan terms.Because you're doing this only two months after the original purpose, the new lender may use the price you paid, $73,250, for the value, as long as the new appraisal is higher than that. 

@John MerrittSacramento is a unicorn market when it comes to rent growth and appreciation, because you have a large population moving here from the Bay Area where rents and home prices are 2-3x as much for comparable properties.

Once we 'assume the contract', how does that compare to a typical escrow?  

(Your loan was for a flip, and presumably for a business purpose, which means the San Francisco Federal Reserve bank rate also plays into this.