There are certainly other "projected classes" other than simply race that also encompass steering, and most good agents do not entertain even a hint of telling a client about how we "feel" about an area.  

I think you are making a fundamental error here which both @Brent Shields and I have hinted at. 

Put one in each bathroom so that ladies get the hint to use those to remove makeup!

However, when I need to protest tax assessed values as the city wants to raise them significantly, it does hint that the market value hasn't gone down.As mentioned, I'm in the process of getting a professional assessed value of one of my properties which will at least provide an example of the capital growth.

BUT FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE NICE PEOPLE AND GENUINELY WANT TO WORK WITH YOU (HINT HINT ), YOU NEED TO SET YOURSELVES APART FROM ALL THE CRUMMY A$$ WHOLESALERS OUT THERE.

Any comments, suggestions, helpful hints, or words of condolences to me as the lender?

One case in point is the difference on how rental income calculation is done when you live at the property versus when you move out (hint: when you move out its 2-3x more effective calculation versus when you live there). 

(hint: Fannie is 6 months....Freddie is less.

Hint, affordable builds are still flying off the shelves.

Listen out for any emotional cues that might hint at the seller's excitement or reluctance to let go of the property.