There are places for rent in their price range but not in the location they want.

Curious to know what the industry standard is, was informed by a few that it ranges anywhere from 10-20%. for that 10% difference is there a difference in service I should expect?

I’ve heard theories ranging from hedge funds restricting supply to drive up prices and talk of shadow inventory waiting in the wings for foreclosures to start again.

This means; not based on trends and reactive markets (TX, Vegas, etc. at the moment for example) and those that fall into historical predictability - as 'predictable'  as REI is anyway.This is going to range on what you yourself feel personally comfortable with in terms of your numbers/financial goals and what key things you decide are important.

Held jointly in an escrow account, the amount ranges from 1,000 to 3% of the purchase price of the property.

Its in a mid-range property - a 4 BR duplex that we will seek about $2-$2.2k rent, hopefully a B+ property in a B market.  

@Supada L. one more thing that no else mentioned was the itemized deduction you’d make for this mid-range, but still expensive, expense.

My losses currently in these 12 states range from anywhere from $300 - $4000 so wondering what my cut-off point should be.

For your type of project, interest rates will generally range from the high single-digits to low double digits with a few origination points.

Also, most hard money lenders charge a loan origination fee, usually in the 3%-5% range.