I will model decreasing or stagnant rents, decreasing occupancy, and increasing cap rates.  

Its possible that you need to watch these properties for 6+ months though as the price will gradually decrease to a reasonable level.

This actually increases your risk, not decreases it.

Sure you'd have decreased cash flow for awhile but then you'd be reducing your liabilities and the total amount that you would have to pay back over time.

But they also COULD show that the ratio starts decreasing (or increasing) with larger square footage.

After refi, principal paydown is our friend and helps mitigate any potential future decrease in value.  

Everyone raves about Tech Terrace and the area near campus but the houses are so expensive that your return decreases really fast.

Now you are positive :)2) Decrease Maintenance. 9.6k looks like too much, probably I am going a little bit high in this number.

. - Aside from owner financing, what are some ways I can decrease DP amount?

(I'm not familiar with the US sites on closed sales in a specific area and stuff....)What about negotiation with the banks about fees that can be waived - Do they do their best to decrease my investment?