On the 1st patient in Texas, they are tracking everyone that worked with him at the hospital, and his family. they are NOT tracking everyone else in the hospital that was there or may have sat in the same chair as he did.

Sounds like you have a track record even though its with "little fish".  

The area has a lot of custom, older, and non track home type homes so the values you might get on appraisal range could drastically vary.

So their track record is what got them started. 

Kelly,In my experiance, if you have the money for a DP (20%) the banks will go ahead and count the rent on a property towards your income, otherwise you will have to show some track record for that property's performance.  

Although, in all markets I will likely surpass my estimated assumption of 5% appreciation per year, that's just icing on the cake. 

Who want wants a race track?

Once my schedule gets back on track, I will do my best to get back on my monthly schedule of having meetings.  

Be sure the builder has experience and a track record, and check references.

Take a list and send half one letter and half a different one then track your results.