For rates you can look at the off campus housing site for the university and get an idea.

what is your biggest idea/picture for backyard with sloping structure with budget consideration in mind ?

If you have any insight or ideas for the structuring of the lease, I would love to hear you feedback.

Better to get a HELOC for backup then use personal savings or a combination of the 2. 

This will at least give an idea of what you need to do as well.

Hi K,It would be a good idea to first research more on the property - whether the property had fell out of contract, what the pricing history has been, what the neighborhood looks like, whether it is overpriced, etc.

My plan is 3.5~4% downpayment to keep the most cash in hand.I am ready to connect with lenders, but have no idea how to calculate the potential pre-qualified amount. 

The point is a single person can hold more than one idea. 

I am in my mid 20s and have saved up around 200 - 300k and currently reside in Brooklyn. 

Lots of people are looking.for direct bookings to save on the crazy Airbnb and Vrbo fees.