I will likely still get the deal, but will probably have to pay more and negotiate more to keep it comfortable and profitable.Should I have done something different before sitting down to avoid this delay and potential loss of the deal if it appraised for a lot more?  

So yes, do leverage but try to get to a comfort level that in a negative scenario you dont lose everything.

I have read the process of buying a house but would feel more comfortable if there's someone here that can also guide me on my first rental. 

I can comfortably buy one property/year with 20% down (at $100,000). 

I guess it will just com down to my comfort level and what I deem to be acceptable surroundings.

Anyone with advice on a way to structure that makes both parties comfortable? 

I am willing to adjust to whatever house I end up investing in, I have nothing holding me back and am willing to sacrifice comfort to make the numbers work.

I am terrified to loose this house as my wife and I just had our 3rd child.

Keep the debt coverage ratio above 1.25 I'd actually suggest 1.4 It will still be a comfortably performing asset and a positive for lenders.

Or maybe the home of your dreams with an additional dwelling unit that you can rent out to soften the mortgage.It's all dependent on what you're comfortable with vs. how little of your mortgage you're willing to pay.