It's their responsibility, and it's their choice.2.

If your serious about growing a portfolio, best to partner with a tax firm that has helped 1000s of others do it, so you don't mistakes along the way.

So don't beat yourself up, it's not you, it's the market.

I can’t help but imagine it would be that guy’s last day if the appraisal came in $1 under the sales price. 

But when you factor in the convenience of having everything done for you, it’s sometimes worth the extra cost, especially when you don’t have the time or resources to manage it yourself.

Thought about refinancing at the time, but didn't do it before rates exploded.

My advice: don’t overthink it—your first house hack is about learning, so pick a strong rental market, ensure solid demand, and lock in a deal that gets you close to break-even or better.

That’s how the wealthy do it with real estate or businesses.

@Malcolm Brown it is great that you are thinking of the money to fund the deals you are going to get started with but understanding what a deal is, I think, should be the starting point. 

It might be best to hold off until you hear of other BP members who have experience with them.