Any thoughts on the best method for relieving these fears and finding out how good the market is in a particular area, specifically Tempe and the surrounding area?

Hello all.First things first.Zillow uses average square foot in a one mile radius.

You don't need to get firm numbers just yet but find out the cost per square foot in your area to build what rents in the area figure financing that and analyze it as a rental through the rental calculator on this site. 

It's also a "foot in the door" service.

A dining area will separate the kitchen from the living space, think sectional with TV. ( I have rough blueprints with room layouts etc. that I will post later.)The 2nd floor will feature a master bedroom with nearly 12 foot ceilings, a huge walk-in closet, washer/dryer, and an office/nursery.Finally, the 3rd floor will have 2 very comfortable size bedrooms that share a bathroom with double sink. 

@Sastry Srini You will not have any problems with that street in Lyndhurst, except that it borders the high school, so lots of daily foot traffic by students. 

According to tax records the house was almost 400 square feet bigger than what it actually was, that threw my numbers off significantly considering I had figured a per square foot price, and taught me an extremely valuable lesson about trusting anyone else's measurements. 

Maybe he's decided that paying an additional $2.3MM is worth lessening the burden of leaving his hearis with assets they have to liquidate.They'd have to figure out how to foot a $6.674MM tax bill.

I would love to put a sliding glass door in, as it lets in more natural light, which would greatly improve the space.Someone suggested French Doors, however, I'm not sure how well that would mesh with the Crafstman style.The city won't let me do anything that contradicts with the style anyway, so I guess I can't shoot myself in the foot too badly.

I'm actually a bit relieved as the one thats been here 7 years paid promptly and immediately.It is very advantageous that you have a mentor already who can assist you with acquiring deals.