We've used the free version of rentometer & found it to be fairly accurate.  2- are there other sources that are more reliable?

I've also found that when I run a credit check many who have a fair number of accounts over 30 days in arrears (even if they haven't reached the collection stage) are to be avoided over a concern they've become too casual about living like this and thus adding another notice of a late fee (or even a threat of an eviction) doesn't seem to bother them very much.Gail

I don't think bashing this situation like you said is completely fair-- I was at the Y and someone was telling me about a property they just having sitting, nobody is marketing to this market, who knows how many people live out of state, etc with houses just sitting. 

I try and have around 25% of my offers accepted...Some of this is personal preference, but most will be fairly standard.  

The on base houses doesn't charge full bah so people can find great bargains so the area is very competitive price wise.

Easier management especially when it comes to filling vacancies, and those middle of the road homes/areas tend to appreciate slow and steady fairly predictably.Again, doesn't mean you can't deviate from that if you see an interesting deal that you like (maybe one with a huge equity capture but less cash flow or vice versa).

I was not interested in buying that property at market value, it was a fair price, but it wasn't low enough for what I wanted.Best of luck, and triple check your numbers.

If it's cash flowing and you are not REQUIRED to pay back the remodelling cost in full, and it's fairly standard interest rate, you would still have $20k in your pocket!

Your lender does not want that because you can't pay your mortgage if you or your wife are in prison, so it's fairly unlikely. 

Will your future bargain-hunter Buyers care about your buy price?