We have about $200K equity in our home, both of us are independent contractors / business owners who write off a lot on our tax returns - so I’m not clear if we have to take what we can get or if these terms seem in the realm of normal.  

I think it is very difficult if not impossible to write a lease from scratch and get it right - experience in both representing landlords and tenants over time leads to better and better language.

It seems like you enjoy being active and using your hands so maybe the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) is your best bet as you could save some money and do plenty on your own, you could also do a live in flip potentially and sell it or rent it out later.

I really enjoy finding the character in these wonderfully constructed Spokane homes!

It found the five most landlord-friendly states to be:West VirginiaArkansasLouisianaNorth CarolinaAlabamaAlabama residents enjoy a low cost of living and a thriving economy.

(An exception is if you own 5% of the company you work for)Agree, this is a great summary post on REPS with core concepts on how to qualify. .I think the complexity comes in when people have edge cases - it becomes difficult to write a simple short post that educates everyone.

You can also request to have PMI canceled earlier if you meet certain requirements: You reach 80% LTV in your home You have 20% equity in your home You have a good payment history You have no other liens on the home You can request a PMI cancellation in writing to your lender or servicer.

I don't "do" emotions when writing my replies.

I enjoy helping and talking REI.  

Enjoy as you prosper.....