I use it as a "guideline" along with GRM to weed out properties. 

Don't assume that all lending guidelines are the same...

I hadn't thought to put a guideline on how long it should take an improvement to pay itself off.

Typically when you by a new property it is a good idea to empty it and get tenants under your guidelines, rules and other nuances that you may have for your properties.

I am an attorney (not criminal law, but I am relatively familiar with sentencing guidelines).

The good thing about most loan officers is they follow a certain bank guideline in regards to whether you qualify for a loan.If you meet the numbers(DTI ratio, capital reserves, credit score) you qualify for a loan.

Everything leads up to the seller's one shot to sell their home, their home is a huge investment of funds and often time and emotion, and the listing agent's job is to manage things so their home enters the market at its peak point of market value (assuming the sellers can see the big picture, and working within the guidelines of what they're able to do).

They will often have different guidelines/rules, and costs. 

@Tim Kaminski Be careful as some areas in St Pete are starting to have stricter guide lines with short term rentals, especially if your near the beach.

I initially put my address in but realized it didn't meet forum guidelines so took it off.