I'm going to work toward building a relationship with Mike as soon as it's diplomatic for me to adjust my current set up. 

In fact, the risk adjusted return (return per unit of risk, typically measured in standard deviation) would probably be significantly higher than that of holding gold.

Vacancy adjusted price to rent ratios are ideal in Kansas City.

Buyers - however - are patiently waiting for sellers to adjust their expectations, so that they can get a deal. 

I have found that if you take 10% off Rentometer you have a pretty good ballpark and as others have said it takes about 4 minutes on Craigslist to get a very good feel for what market rents are in an area and you can adjust higher or lower for the property you are looking at.  

See if they adjust for neighborhood on the appraisal.

, much higher than your rent, and which doesnt include P&I.So you need to adjust the figures to reflect the actual situation you're mentioning (living + renting)

Your CPA should have adjusted basis to reflect market value one year ago, so there may even be a loss.

Fix the house up to the estimate number provided by the insurance adjuster, 2.

I would include electric in the rent, and write a usage allowance into the lease, say 400 kWh on average, and adjust quarterly if needed if tenant's usage is over that value.