.), and new appliances. my estimates: 4-5kAll my estimated include parts and labor (certified and insured electrician, plumbers, painters, ... etc)Bed bugs/Pest control cost should also be added, I think.Whole apartment is about 900 square feet. 

PM should be able to simply send you pictures no need to go out unless there is an issue.however travel expesnes are a cost of ownership and in my mind should be a fixed expense just like insurance PM or any other expense.. your not going to these cities for vacation.. right ?

That being said, your insurance number seems a bit high. 

Estimate around 500-600 to put aside for vacancies, insurance, repairs etc.. netting me 1500 month cash flow which puts me exactly at 20% down payment at just under 3 years.Is my thinking logical?

The first as mentioned above -- equity add through the principle portion of the loan payment -- and I am also sending some extra payments to the first position loan as an extra equity insurance policy and pay off my primary residence faster.

FHA is insurance.

Call insurance brokers to see how their current rates compare to what you can get.

@Ted DavisYour wife may be entitled to the home office deduction if she uses the area regularly and exclusively for her business.Items that go into the deduction are rent(depreciation, mortgage interest, home insurance, real estate taxes if you own), utilities, etc to calculate the home office deduction.It can be a big deduction so many sure your accountant factors that in.

It is possible that a lender MAY not lend a VA loan over that threshold....lenders aren't insured as much by the VA once they reach that loan size but you'll see that you will be required to start bring a very small down payment over the $453k threshold. 

Mls fees, board association, e&o insurance, general business liability insurance, electronic key fees, licensing fees, continuing education, any fees your broker might charge, increased auto insurance rates.