., i tried putting it in bold on top.

But that might be a somewhat bold statement. ;-)

Hi Bold and Brilliant Investors,  I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out how much I can realistically afford.

I have never once come across a client who's landlord 100% complied with the law.Examples of issues I have come across: (1) Holding security deposit in a USAA account (they do not have MA branches and it is required that the funds are held in a MA bank); (2) Holding security deposit in the same account as last month's rent; (2) Taking a small additional "pet" security deposit over and above the amount of rent; (3) Switching banks without notifying tenant of new bank and account number; (4) Issuing a condition statement that includes the statutory disclosure, but the disclosure is not in bold-face type; the list goes on and on.This doesn't even include the very obvious requirements such as provided a detailed receipt, keeping detailed records that go back two years (and making them available to tenants and prospective tenants), etc.I consult with clients that are not professional landlords, and maybe rent a SFR or have one multi family (sometimes live in).

I tried calling numerous numbers and all go to voice mail (they actually say don't leave a message because they know they would be flooded) or get knocked around the choose a number to be connected to....I'm trying to get clarification on their letter.The bold part is what I don't quite get - we still have to pay the "wrong" amount and they will refund our overage back and apply the discount?

Some great answers already, @Joseph Pugliese and @Corby Goade did a good job of stealing my thunder about visual cues. 1 - Make a great self introduction to tenants.2 - Telegraph your intentions by making common area improvements - make big, bold, VISUAL improvements.3 - Send formal, well written rent increase letters. 

Fortune favors the bold.

My bold, yet serious, goal is to own 25 rental properties by the time I am 30.

It seemed risky, but we went for it because we were sick of seeing potential deals slip away to those who were bold enough to take the risk!  

Here is a snippet from their earning report (I have bolded relevant piece) .