Some HMLs will finance 100% but your rates and fees will be considerably higher.You don’t need a Deal to be qualified.

The full height colored/glass back splashes look busy to me, and the thin border gives a pop of color without overwhelming things.

Try this... build a much larger column base at the same height as the bottom of the stone, maybe tapered (bigger at the bottom) and made from a similar stone, with a much larger column (easily built onto the existing post) resting on top.Find a NATURAL, neutral-colored, plain stone or slate, and tile the raised concrete stoop.Paint the entry door a deep, very rich color that complements the brick.Then, the gable on the right with round-butt shingles (I think) needs a lighter color, maybe even a bit bright to complement both the brick and the entry door, since it extends over the stoop.Finally, taller greenery under the stone with a lower front level of varying texture and color (especially around the entry) will result in the stone being much less prominent.

I have a condo I rent out in downtown Jersey City and 2 unit multi family in the heights. 

Also, take into consideration that SFR foreclosures are in abundance, and cheap. 

Net value uses the assessed value from purchase and sale, figuring the difference, with consideration of any miscellaneous contributions over the course of ownership.

If you plan to use the basement as legal living space, you'll need 7' ceiling height, service from all mechanical systems, and a legal egress.

Risk of him having a life changing event, with the property still in his name is another consideration, as to how it would transfer at time of death. 

[The flip side of this is, of course, that you will also be *buying* your new homw at the height of the market.]2.

I have definitely taken that into consideration.