If you need a visual, go to any amortization table and see how each month the interest and principal is allocated, and how it shifts after year 5, 10, 20....and so forth. 

If you can't surround yourself with them physically (the best option) at least surround yourself with them visually  and emotionally.

They finally came back with the following:“At this point we would just need you to apply for a “Special Inspection” at our office for visual “certification” of the existing structures.”I am curious what this sort of “visual certification” entails.

Hmmm, I am a planner, I am visualizer, I throw a million ideas on the wall and attempt what I can.

It helps me visualize myself doing something similar.

If the issue was not obvious on visual inspection, and the AC functioned using NOC (normal operating controls) then you don't have a case against the inspector either.

Infographics or spreadsheets - I'm very visual!

You're seeing the damage that is visual, but without destructive testing you'll never know what the extent of the damage is inside the walls. 

It's SOOOO visually appealing! 

Running scenarios helps me visualize how all this can work, so thank you for taking the time to put that together.Bringing a note investor to the table at the start seems like excellent advice.