I am based in Canada but planning to move to US soon.

I'm a graphic designer based in Athens, Georgia. 

I have no problems stating that they know their business, understand the market and in many cases, for certain areas, literally know building-by-building who owns it, when it last traded, the condition of the property, the tenant base, etc, etc.

5% to 25% based on age and current condition.

Decide what you can pay based on the return you desire and start making offers.  

It's again, only my opinion, but I think I'd try to strip the handrail and see if I could stain it to match the stairs and then paint out the spindles and base your trim color (white I'm assuming ).

Also, there is a Portland based meet-and-greet on October 11, in Northeast.Contact me with any questions you may have.Thanks,

Id suggest touching base with @Upen Patel.

@Mark KelleyAccount ClosedMark, I have not looked at Pittsboro but it seems to make sense based on Chapel Hill getting too expensive.  

I work with a commercial lender that loans based on the property, not your income (no tax returns or W2's).