Even though we live in earthquake country, this was a new experience for us.

I am looking at different loan options but to break even (not having to put any money of my own in the house after the initial down payment) the current down payment required is that much. 

It was free so worse came to worse I would break even How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

And guess what, if your using a proxy thinking that will protect from disclosure as an agent, nope, it doesn't, you have to disclose it even then. 

This will simply causes prices to be even higher, and continue to constrict demand... 

You should have documented that in writing, but even a text message from him would likely hold up in court.You post the notice and give them the required amount of time.

Areas near oil production hubs could experience economic booms, creating localized opportunities for real estate investments.Beyond these broader economic initiatives, Bessent has been vocal about extending or even expanding the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

@John Lasher If you are still looking to spend $20k-$30K for a coach, I would be happy to take you up on that offer :) For full disclosure,  I will share with you precisely what you can learn online/ perhaps even entirely through these BiggerPockets Forums but that doesn't address the reason why most are still unable to purchase larger assets: creditworthiness and capital relationships.

I don't see an exact location in the OP, but if this is even remotely considered rural, you are adding another LTV reduction. 

So, there is even more risk.The things that you can do, include being properly capitalized, not be greedy, (in whichever way that may be defined in the county you are buying), know solicitation laws, know Dodd-Frank, the Consumer Protection Act, the S.A.F.E.