Primary residence in a very competitive market is a different case.

Some properties are purpose-built for income restricted residents which could include everything from voucher tenants to folks paying the freight themselves but meeting specific household income limits. 

I'm currently residing in Mundelein, IL and a lot of meetups I'm finding are either in or closer to Chicago (which are impossible to get to with traffic after work).

In most states, an undisclosed audio or video device placed in the interior (non-common) of a private residence would be illegal and could also result in a civil lawsuit against the landlord. 

I want to be honest for the sake of the relationship, but I guess at the same time I need to be up front with contracting costs and materials.Work needed:- Back deck torn down (awkward 3 story high), fill in double doors from bedroom with wall or very large window spanning adjacent windows.- Tear down old ugly car port.- Landscaping, add nice garden up front, trim trees, remove overgrown vines from house siding- Remove old walkway and replace with new right angle walkway to driveway instead of street- Fix up front porch, new concrete probably- Repair any problem siding- Flooring has some unevenness, joists in crawl space/basement need to be added or adjusted.- Exterior paint, interior paint - HVAC and water heater appear new, roof appears new- Interior has some water stain marks, replace drywall patches- Replace kitchen with modern cabinets, granite, appliances- Oak floors downstairs hopefully can be refinished- Replace carpet upstairs with composite flooring or nice carpet - stairs are carpeted!

Originally from Houston, Tx but currently residing in Illinois due to husband being stationed here (Navy).

It's my experience that when you have problems before the lease begins, you'll have problems for the duration.I'd give her the deposit back and find another resident.

I am intending to rent what is now my primary residence and buy a new home.

Honestly it's mainly just the truth not a negotiating tactic.

I've taken over a year's worth of college classes, and it honestly feels extremely suffocating.