The best method is to look at comparable properties around you and base it around that. 

You could run into critter infestations, plumbing and electrical issues as well.

I am debating this method: choosing not to finance and rent out my current home and use a VA/FHA loan for the new home but I would have less to put down upfront, or doing the refi.

Messing up my plumbing was a wake up call for me and did not lead me to say plumbing or crescent wrenches don't work. 

Usually, the excessive moisture is caused by a leak in the plumbing system underneath the floors and it is usually a hot water pipe leaking.I am a contractor and sometimes I find that the clothes dryer vent is broken somewhere and all the steam coming from the clothes as they dry is going inside the house and collecting on the cool glass windows.You can hire a contractor to look for a leak, or you can purchase a hydrometer online.

Normally the mortgage lender sends their own appraiser, who has other methods to fall back on when there are no comps. 

Check out the enemy method. 

Updated plumbing, electrical, windows, replaced crumbling steps and added sprinkler system.

Some people use the sq ft method while others might just estimate every individual job (floors, paint, cabinets, shower, etc).

Hi there,I am curious to what other financing methods are out there for foreign nationals in the US?