My children are very young and I want to account for the expenses they will incur when they get older (sporting events, eating more food, school expenses, etc).

I can get 10k as gift money also quick.EXPENSES - So NET income is around 4000-5000/month, debt is 950 total plus food, travel etc living expenses. 10k cash and 30k equity in home. 

No, but I have a recirculating one in my own house for the past 23 years, and my wife cooks lots of Italian food with oils and smokes going everywhere, and it works just fine.

Income:Enough to cover these expenses with a comfortable bufferExpenses: ~$3000/mo($1600/mo mortgage, $400/mo car payment, $600/mo utilities/food/gas/etc..., $400 living money)

They took Artificial Intelligence and set up computer terminals for ordering your food and eliminated the order taker.

No phones, no food, no YouTube.

I will try my best to answer some of your questions (take it with a grain of salt - I am no expert in these areas).Appraisal - From what I understand, banks/lenders use 3rd party companies to do appraisals.  

Food for thought!

There are major expansions taking place over the next 5 years with the port system and a great food and shopping scene similar to charleston.

Take what I say with a grain of salt since I am a Realtor,  thus you likely dont find my advice t be objective ;)There are areas in DC that are great for appreciation such as Logan Circle, Dupont Circle, Ft Totten, Petworth, Trinidad, Capital Hill...as well as certain suburbs in Rockville, Fairfax, Arlington.