In other words, if going up to 80% vs 75% cost 2% additional points up front and half a point in interest rate higher is that extra leverage worth it? 

If we crush the rehab I think we can even push closer to 200Cash-Out Refi Amount: $131k (75% LTV of the conservative 175k figure) Profit if done as a flip: 60k. (175k - 115k purchase price & rehab)Cash Invested: 18k (This accounts for $7,500 for down payment to lender, $2,000 in EMD to seller, lender fees, inspection, insurance, title, projected 3 months holding costs at $1000 per month)----------------------------------------------------------------------------If I do it as a flip, from what I understand, I'll be hit with a ridiculous tax bill (24% short term capital gains + 15% self-employment tax), leaving me with roughly $36k after-tax profit. 36 - my 18 invested leaves me with 18k increase to my net worth.

But with our market and projected rental rates compared to our mortgage (with 2.99%) we decided the purchase price for a new primary would be more costly down the road than another rental. 

A planimetric & limited topographic survey will add $2500-$3000 to your project -- it's a cost we actually front for our clients (but they are on the hook for if they end up not building the project).

For instance, is it common to state to pay a flat fee of only up to $x amount in the event the seller does not cover the cost?

Once you have both the rehab cost and ARV figures, input them into the calculator.

It may cost a bit but it will avoid headaches and gray areas. 

Ir willl cost 1.5 to build it all.  

Multifamily homes often require more maintenance, so factor in potential repair costs when evaluating a property.

Or course that has a cost and its an ongoing project.Redfin was our real estate agents.