Do I need to get a real estate lawyer? 

I can also put you in touch with local lawyers if needed.  

Our agent is not an expert on this type of deal but suggested a short loan term of 3 or 4 years and a balloon payment and written up by a lawyer. 

.: @John C.You really need to work with a lawyer on this.

It might be worth talking to a lawyer but not sure if it's small claims or worth it.Also, you might already have all of these things but for future prevention:- smart thermostat (so you receive alerts when the inside temperature dips below whatever preset you have)- Minut (or similar device) would also alert you to the inside (and outside) temperatures; for example, I have 2 devices inside the house and outside on the hot tub deck.

This person may actually be a licensed lawyer or a real estate professional.

Hi, We have five garnishments on evicted tenants in KCMO that our Lawyer is chasing, with very limited success.

One piece of advice I never forgot is to never ever sign anything without a copy and without a lawyer looking at it first.

Turns out the developer didn't fix some underground pipe and it took years and lots of $$ for lawyer's fees to get things fixed. 

My lawyer told me that it is better do that your own home is protected if you have a problem regarding your rental property