EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

I have many times jumped in the dumpster to get large boxes or furniture out to break it down. 

I have used then 3-4 times now 

Ben Franklin used similar advice to turn an enemy into a friend (although his was asking to borrow a book).There are some caveats here, you cannot be wasting time thus you need to demonstrate that you are taking action. 

You have to pay fees, but you'll have a professional handling issues instead of bleeding money trying to figure it out for yourself, then you have your time free to pursue other things.

Look, we were for most part playing a game of American Football for a long time.

Exciting times ahead for you.Wishing you all the best.

They've even called my mom who we don't live with anymore (but lived with at the time we applied for the loan).

It's so important to take action and remember that the best time to invest in real estate was yesterday, the second best time to invest is today!

In my short time, the feedback you guys have so freely given has been great!