I went merely as a back up plan if my businesses failed so I could go work that normal 8-5 job. 

It is also important to remember you are not merely a landlord - I like to think of ourselves as being a housing service provider - perhaps bordering on lifestyle service provider with our student rentals.   

Yes, I suppose the one I put there is merely a starting bid..

The mere fact that you are out of warranty, Lowes doesn't have to do you any favor whatsoever, that is the solid hard truth, they are not in breach as the agreement only lasts 12 months, if you used it and broke down within the 12 months, then it is a manufacturer defect, it will be on their shoulder, after that, its on you, you cannot expect the retailer to carry anything more than the agreement, you have the choice to extend the warranty if you so choose. 

Since I am a mere grasshopper, I would love to find an experienced investor who I can learn from. 

The times they are right, are not because they were actually right...it is merely the fact that sometimes markets crash, and if you always say it is going to crash you are going to appear like a genius at some point.

I merely pointed out that following your advice, others would eat into his money. 

Just a mere thank you for the contact information and pleasure of meeting, or should we include more about ourselves and goals?

It is merely a tax classification.

Insurance companies really stuck it to their policy holders.