I have a rental rehab coming up end of march and coming up dry with contractor leads to get a bid.

We're due for a correction any time..A good rule of thumb is to assume your property--even a well-maintained one--will consume 30-45% of rents in expenses: taxes, insurance, maintenance. 

and that was the exact bid for the renovation.

(correct me if I'm wrong)The 0% down and lower MIP rates are intriguing to me, as well as the option to be able to roll in some cosmetic rehab costs into the loan. 

I believe you are correct.

I think we can expect Cincinnati to start to "boom" in the coming couple of years, as parts of the city (OTR/Oakley/Hyde park- where I live :) ) are REALLY starting to have buildings EVERYWHERE) + with Cincinnati winning the bid on the MLS soccer stadium/team to be completed by 2021, I think we will see some big things the next couple of years. 

Now if your getting out bid by this investor each and every time then well that might be a different story.

@Burt Gourley - If I'm reading this correctly, the bank said NO at the last minute? 

They are also subject to recapture though, correct?

Anyway, I wanted to reach the correct target market ($3200-3800) and would appreciate the guidance.