So the big platinum colored Weil McLain tank to the right is purely hot water storage.

Such increased values are not taken by insured lenders.I can't change what the rules are, lower of cost or market, 12 months in RE valuations (marketable assets are different, they go at current book value, a horse of a different color, but I'd also say in reality, that any security that jumped in a very short period to double it's value probably wouldn't be taken at current book as collateral as it would be considered a very volatile security).The rules and regulations as well as definitions are what they are, opinions won't change them, I didn't make this stuff up, they have been effective for decades longer than I've been in business.As I mentioned, there are folks on BP who disagree, some for the opportunity to disagree, some to validate what they do, some have other motives, but it is what it is, you'll do better my understand the how valuations are treated.Point made on accounting matters, we are getting off topic in David's success story as the topic. :)

If we are talking fixed rate for 20-30 years with similar holding times, then I would expect that locking in at lower mortgage rates now even at somewhat higher purchase prices still results in a lower monthly payment and greater return than buying later at higher rates but lower prices.If rates rose from 5% to 6%, we would have to see home prices drop by over 10% for mortgage payments to be lower in the future than they would be now at the 5% level and current prices.

When you buy a car for cash, you get proof of ownership, also called title, in the form of a document, often referred to as a "pink slip" (regardless of paper color).

There is baseboard and window/door trim that is white; some other color for walls and ceiling) My gut feel is that this is expensive.Any input, including positive experiences with handyman or painters you've used would be much appreciated.

I probably should have let the potential buyer select their colors and tossed them the keys, but I really wanted the satisfaction of living there for a time so I turned them down.

I got full color, front and back postcards for about $0.055 each.

I would be working with the realtor and designer to get their 'buy-in' on the colors/style for a faster sale.Would you sell the place as is, and use the rehab money for the purchase of a second property, or go ahead  use it to rehab?

It bothers me so much that some people cheat their way through life, but always come out smelling like roses.

I had a few  four-plexus back in the late 2000's and they had great cashflow on paper but deteriorated rapidly when the unemployment rate rose.