If you don't mind me asking, was your purchase the standard 20% down or was it FHA?

The standard way to do it to save up the 20 or 25% (through income from a job or flips) and use that to hold.

Not trying to be negative, just realistic.The standard advice to someone in your situation would be to get a owner-occupied loan on a 3 or 4 unit building.  

In some places there are 'livability' code issues that are also posted online.A standard part of our preliminary market research is to determine what information can be found online at which website.

I ordered a copy of the appraisal and noticed that the comps that were used were other foreclosures in sub-standard condition and also older sales and further away from my property than other available comps.

So I assumed this would be the standard.

I figure if, you are willing to take the first step by filling out the Application, then you are a serious tenant, who is ready to make a immediate decision if the place meets their standards!!

A new Energy Star clothes washer uses 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than a standard model. 

Also remember that there are standard closing cost related with any size mortgage.

Assuming management at 8%, which is standard from the few local companies, 8% for repair reserve, 8% vacancy, which may be a little high, insurance at $700/yr and property taxes, which are more towards 1.25% for Sac.