Alex,If you are not local to the duplex, there is another factor in the value of a public adjuster. 

I know this question is very broad since each market depends on so many personal factors about who you are as an investor but I have been having a hard time finding one to even consider to focus on.

How do I factor this?

If you are using the realized equity to acquire good ROI deals, the extra 1.5% margin would just need to be factored into the analysis of those deals.

That would be a strong factor in influencing their decision in our favor. 

Note: that 0.85% can vary depending on the percent down and other factors so check with a loan officer for different scenarios.Finally, your monthly P&I payment is based on the Total Loan Amount (Base Loan + UFMIP) which is $176,739.75 and on a 30 year term at 5.00% this gives a monthly payment of $948.78, so about $16 more than what you have.Not sure about closing costs in TX -- here that $3K would be low. 

Forever yes. 

The first question to ask is whether you'll be transferring your job to LA or will you be unemployed and looking for a new job since a w-2/1099 will factor into your ability to get financing?

Rentals in the area are charging about 1000-1400 per bed room (I like to relate price to bed since student rentals here kind of revolve around that Idea and seems to be a significant factor.....how much does Mom and Dad need to pay to keep Johnny UCSD student Housed. 

Plenty strong enough for residential...should be between 1k to 2k per pier depending on how many you need, access, and other factors.