Have not read it yet, but it's been recommended a few times: Trump Style Negotiations by George Ross.Hope this helps.

We're looking at building a 1700sqft, single level, open floor plan, ranch style home.

I am in a dilemma because I currently own a 3 br 1 bath ranch style home and have the opportunity to purchase my second property and truly start my real estate career.

It conforms in style and type and size and age to all the other houses in the neighborhood.

They are large open plan spaces with great fixtures and style. its 100% occupied currently.

Three bedrooms sell better but depends on what part of town and variables about the house like layout, how nice the renovations, style, etc. for example, Generally, most things in Chesterton sell well unless they're overpriced.

A flow chart, if you don't know, are usually step by step directions that lead you to a desired result or tell you to stop, that your result may not be attained.We begin by locating a property, then evaluate that property, this is where you have two paths to take, contract to buy or contact your buyer about the type, style, size and potential of that property (which is best to do before leading a seller down the I'll buy your house road).

Mediterranean Style or Traditional Style, 4 beds, 3 or 4 baths, smooth stucco finish for Mediterranean and stone and stucco (not smooth) for Traditional, a few arched windows the rest rectangular. 

In long beach a lot of these old style buildings are more difficult to determine, but I'm going to go back out and walk the property

Everything is kept up and many of the surrounding houses are ranch style with some acreage and quite expensive - others a little less.Here are the numbers according to the realtor:Asking price is $374,000The unit is fully occupied and generates $3,275 in monthly gross rental income2015 Taxes were $7,9532015 Insurance was $1,296All utilities paid by tenantsI want to live in one of the units, so my gross income from the remaining units would be about $2,456.I'm budgeting 8% for vacancy of the remaining 3 unitsI feel like the asking price of this property is high compared to the amount of rent it brings in, but that's why I am here asking for advice.