go higher? it would even be worse..and you cant go higher.. thats the biggest house he can get with a 20k down payment..thats what you suggested. put 20k down.. 400k is the highest amount he could get if he wasn't doing 100% financing..and zx rider sugested renting it out.. sure someone might pay 700 for a weekend, but thats like 3 nights.. they gonna pay 7k a month? no.. short term rentals are more expensive than long term. 2.5k didn't even include maintenance, property tax, insurance..ect..