I typically look at the percentage AND the dollars... 85% ARV for a $75k home is much different than 85% on a $400k+ home... That said, that margin would be too tight for my taste as well... Like the others said, be very clean on your estimates.... One thing I actually do is be super safe in my estimates, if I'm ever off, it will be in favor of the investor and not the other way around... This way, my investors know that my estimates are solid....
Hit up Steve Labus on here. He's a good one!
-Brian R. Baker, MBA
Texas Housing Partners LLC.