As a first timer, I am having difficulty in making an assessment of my current house.

@Brandon MoreauClarify, lines from PSA 328 PRORATION OF TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS: Seller and Buyer agree to prorate taxes, Special Improvement District 329 assessments for the current tax year, as well as prepaid rents, water and sewer system charges, heating fuel and tank 330 rental, irrigation assessments, Homeowner's Association dues and/or common maintenance fees, as of the date of closing 331 unless otherwise agreed as set forth in the additional provisions

Other PMs may charge less and they can have every C- quad in Dayton; regardless of income, the aggravation just isn't worth it.One last thing to consider: property taxes are based upon the value of the property assessed by the county auditor - which may or may not be consistent with market value.

I presume this would be something I could find out from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxations search site? 

Not a fan of condos as the board can add a special assessment if there is not enough money to repair things like roofs in addition to the regular condo fee.

And any payments received after the "grace period" (I think 3 days is better than 5) you assess a late fee and possibly a Pay or Quit notice.  

But creating a comprehensive JV agreement requires a lawyer... and its very very expensive!!!!      

This 3.5 was supposed to come from yr 2 appreciation.)Not trying to poke holes here, just trying to fairly assess these claims and gauge my plans and expectations.

I was told if I couldn't find a comp for a house, that I would need to use the assessed value from the tax assessors.

I need comp report to assess the property before I make an offer.