Marie Poe:Just my experiences of course.Everything you said is absolutely valid and, of course, I base my negotiating techniques and style off my personal experience and formal learning as well...my negotiating background is different than most, so it doesn't surprise me that my philosophies and techniques are often different than most

I agree with Phillip's advice and just to add, sounds like the properties used as comps are probably different in style, if you have better comps take pictures from the street of the comps used and pics of your comps to show the lender.

Read through this forum and pick up some books on the fundamentals of real estate investing so you can get a good look at all the different styles and methods of investing.

Comes out to about $6500 for a 1700 sq/ft ranch style home IIRC.I was quoted $3,500 to replace the roof on 1,000 sq/ft 2ba/1ba rental I have.

They've got three cats and two litter boxes, and the entire unit stinks of litter -- they've also got food and dishes everywhere, and huge piles of dirty clothes everywhere.This is a nice, fairly high-end apartment in a not-so-great area, it should stand out as being nicer than the surrounding apartments.

I end up getting investors that whine like retail style buyers.

Since a 5 unit is probably odd for comps I'd suggest you look at tri and four plexes and up to 6 or even 8 unit properties that are most similar in location, style, rents, condition and age then make adjustments as needed on a unit basis.

There are a few options for you, depending on your time availability & learning style.

I've bought/sold my 1st prop at age 23 yrs and made $$$, started my own clothing business shortly (ecobeachwear.com) and 12 yrs later decided to get back into RE.  

We have another lot in Capistrano Beach, where we will build another house, different style.