Its so confusing because different states have different rules about this and there's differences between residential and commercial leases.To make matters even more confusing, California Department of Consumer Affairs almost sounds encouraging of receiving partial payment:http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/li...It says:"If you can't pay the full amount on time, you may want to offer to pay part of the rent.

just remember the opening Scene of Thomas Crown affair ( the lastest one)  when they are all sitting around the board room and Crown signs the deal the buyers light cigars.. then Crown Looks at them and says well guys you paid 10 million more than the best offer I had... 

Montgomery County provides a template lease here: https://montgomerycountymd.gov...The office of landlord-tenant affairs is also good resource: https://montgomerycountymd.gov...You'll also need to get a lead inspection and register through MDE if the house was built before 1978: https://mde.maryland.gov/progr...

Consumer Affairs gives them a one star rating.

Well maybe the guy who is having an affair wouldnt like it . 

But it shows you, when “affairs of the heart” are involved, rational thinking goes out the window!

I believe that diversification is key and gives someone maximum flexibility to be able to manage their financial affairs as one sees fit. 

Yes, hire a CPA.I'm a CPA and I use a CPA who has the expertise (and time) to handle my affairs. 

Someone who pays attention to detail in their daily routines is likely to exhibit the same meticulousness in their professional or personal affairs.

I looked at a property yesterday and since the seller is a Secretary of Veterans Affairs they stipulate that they dont pay for any sellers closing costs e.g., title policy, escrow fees, survey and transfer fees.