Regarding what I meant by astronomical fees.  

Yes, the rents are astronomical, but so is your PITI, so your net flow is not likely going to be anything special.

If my rent was astronomical and more than a mortgage, I would definitely buy.Perhaps I am blurring the lines between an investment and a primary residence?

Still, I see your point on the old or renovated houses with less to offer and selling for an astronomic 1-2.2M.  

We live on the west coast where property values are astronomical and rental rates are stagnant and soft.

If there is a refund, deal with it according to your state law.The odds of someone vacating a home and then returning to sue you are astronomically low and they would be unlikely to gain anything from it.

I don’t know if its because we live in an EXPENSIVE area or because we’re trying to FHA a multi so the monthly debt service is astronomical, but every deal I analyze comes out cash flow negative.

Here is Maine, I've turned down a lot of deals that worked via the 50% rule BUT the heating cost was astronomical.

That deficit was an astronomical $73 Billion, a mere pittance compared to today’s numbers.

There’s not a lot to compare to and there are 2 electric providers- one inside he city limits with astronomical rates and one outside of the city limits with average rates.