When they are bored they pick some new "Rule" they will start enforcing, but it only really effects us (Can't put "buyers agent to verify sq footage" in private notes or we fine you a thousand dollars).The states have decided to make mechanics, plumbers, electricians, lenders, mold remediation, hair dressers, real estate agents, pest removal people, Taxi Drivers etc to all require a certain level of certification by law.

I noticed this older guy next to us, long grey hair, kind of scraglly looking, with a "Yesemite Sam" type beard, by himself ... he kept nodding every once in awhile when I'd say something that he apparently agreed with, though he was not directly part of the conversation.

Food for Thought- Gordon Moss spoke at Paper Source Symposium last week from a 20/20 hind sight , the paraphrase comment was - Instead of taking so many hair cuts on commissions , I should have taken a percentage of the equity / property when asked to take a haircut. 

Either way you can sell the note on a secondary market but expect a hair cut unless it's high yield.

Poking around every single house in the city splitting hairs or knowing and working with the best and most connected people in the game?

Think of it like your mechanic or your hair person.  

Workout gym, karate school, restaurant, nail salon, hair salon, doctor's office, dry cleaners,etc.

I never got my hair done or my nails.

Do you cut her own hair?  

If it's non refundable, they may say "well....it's ok, I've already paid $250 for my pet to be here, I don't have to worry if there's enough dog hair in the rug to make a mattress."