You have to do the math and make sure it is a good property but you should be doing that as soon as you look at any prospects.

Otherwise, do the math and figure out how long it takes to "save back" the 20% DP.What is the context for these rates?

This is a simple math problem, that involves not only the property in question, but also the optional use of the funds.Ask yourself this question. 

That’s just the math from what they said the project would cost / unites roughly.

It seems there is, prices and rents seem to go up at different rates in a given market, but can anyone express it with math? 

That might be the math the LO told you (& might be what appears on your initial 1003 "Uniform Residential Loan Application" completed by the LO that you saw in the "initial disclosures"), but it's not what the underwriter did (reflected on your final 1003 URLA, after the underwriter has done their thing, that you sign at the closing table...

Challenges were getting my wife on board with the idea of using this property to get more properties, was able to overcome that using the math and calculators.

The bottom line is that it is up to YOU to understand the math behind a viable house hack and to have thorough street-level knowledge of the neighborhood you intend to occupy. 

What I gather from the thread is that broker pro forma cap rates are embellished, and as a prospective purchaser you need to do your own due diligence / homework on income & OpEx.With that said, most if not all proper underwriting will price you out of a brokers range for the asset....So how does one win deals?

Do your home work ( comps, rent rates, landlord laws).7.