They know I'm looking for properties on and off the MLS, and I've told them several times I'll list with them for resale, solely based on their reputation in town, and my COI (Circle of Influence).

I wonder if I can place my primary home in the LLC and pay rent to it so I can boost income or would that mess up my homestead exemption.

I grew up there as a child before moving to Canton.120,000 should get you a decent starter home in Woodstock.You can find one that used to be in the 180k to 200k range at the peak back in 2008 for 120k now.When looking if you are not happy at 120,000 in what you find bump up to 140,000 or so and you can negotiate down to your 120 range.You don't need to pay off your credit card balances just get them below 33% of available credit limit and it will boost your score.I know doctors that open up practices and have to pay off very expensive equipment over time but didn't know the schooling was so expensive.

If we foresee a question that buyers might have, we may stage lightly to influence their view of a certain room/area.

The good news is that over the next 3-4 years, you will get to know the property in and out and know it's quirks and also be able to scout out a good property manager in the area (since other folks in your chain of command and sphere's of influence will also be in the same situation as you. -- Own and then move and will need to rent their places out.)

That proof alone influenced the bank to come down a bit to a more realistic number.

So they have a nonprofit to offset the taxes and give them a front which in turn gives influence and PR.

Unless, of course, a moderate rehab could boost the value to say 75k.

http://www.biggerpockets.com/statstake that influence point exploiter(s) :) I'm sure this won't go untested but at least for now, I reign champion.

Interest rates have some effect or influence, but there are a number of other factors (unemployment, economic outlook, population growth, household creation/consolidation, consumer confidence, tax codes, etc.) that are more powerful in determining housing prices.