I was hoping the rate cuts in the last 12 months would have had more of an impact on mortgage rates. 

If you use a PM, you are cutting heavily into your profits.

I would protect myself and cut my losses so I was not looking over my shoulder or getting high blood pressure every time I heard a knock on the door (hoping it is not the FBI showing up to ask you some questions). 

Centralize your back office / use remote employees / VA where appropriate to cut costs and improve service levels / responsiveness.  5.

Let’s cut through the nonsense: this isn’t about networking.

Since you have high incomes and can cut your spending quickly if necessary you should be ok with some cash in a HYSA and some short term credit available.

Doing this would allow me to cut my down payments in half. 

If the agent is not working out for whatever reason, cut the tie and move on. 

Unfortunately, Uncle Sam always wants his cut ;)

Good luck getting that info from the guys who don’t speak English who cut down your trees for $1200. lol Not many people follow rules on anything, so?