@Jordan Coates I see every purchase/refi with a national lender as a wasted opportunity to strengthen relationship with a good local lender.

Both Elevate and Fit Brains offer engaging games to help strengthen skills in so many areas: problem solving, memory, math, language, speed, comprehension, etc.

The lower your offer, the tighter you'll want to make the contingencies to strengthen the rest of the offer.

@Alex BrownMaking an offer on a house that gets accepted can be challenging in a competitive market when demand for homes outweighs supply.Getting preapproved for a mortgage can help to strengthen your offer and signal to sellers that you're serious about buying.A trusted real estate agent can draft and submit your offer on your behalf and negotiate the details with the seller's agent.When making an offer on a home, it's important to keep your budget firmly in sight to avoid paying more for a house than you can realistically afford.All the best!

To me, that just strengthens the 4BR with pool argument. 

I also brought in extra floor joists to strengthen the floor, but I will exclude these costs.

Once you know that you can strengthen the weak parts with other people.For example your 2 deals may not be that good as deals so your analytical deal analyzing may be bad.

It range from can I add locks, strengthen the doors, and finally can I install a security system.

As you expect with any product on the free market, when supply weakens and you have strengthening demand, prices rise.

Rental market strengthens.