We buy, thoughtfully renovate with resilient materials and finishes ("Bulletproof Chic") and then rent.  

My guess is it was determined that nothing in the immediate area was a good comp due to age and finish level, so the appraiser ventured farther out for comps. 

Decks finishes. 

Hello I just finished the book on Rental Property investing by Brandon Turner.

1.Build a 378sq deck. 2.Finish 200sq ft.

@Esther Tama and others,   Yes Esther I've heard of local credit unions offering good terms on commercial/rental loans and not being DTI (fannie under writing).Update on my cash out refi progress;- finished 2 of the 3 REFIs I started with FinOfAm, they where the worst, most painful lender / underwriting I have ever done, including bank/fannie under writing.  4 months, FOUR months to close each of 2 loans. 

I have just finished reading the book "How to Invest in Real Estate" by Joshua Dorkin and Brandon Turner.

This is probable the best way at finding under market deals that you can add value to and put your own finishing touches on.Welcome to Real Estate!

Also consider what your tenant base wants - some neighborhoods want high-end finishes, where others are only concerned with space and layout, and others need a combination of the 2.

Within that time I have finished a flip, have another UAG to sell,  half Way through a BRRR, have a  long distance multi UAG, 2-3 more projects on the way.