A shop can give you many added capabilities, improving the quality of routine tasks and equipment maintenance, as well as potentially enabling bulk purchases, or even taking advantage of "rack" programs by local suppliers.

My response was along the line of, we have a valid contract, the inability to perform a routine act on the part of the bank was not a get out of jail free card.

I have a HVAC contractor, a plumber and a roofer I routinely use.

Even minor and routine rental expenses, like a two week vacancy, cleanup, and advertising for and screening a new tenant will be out of pocket.

That way you never have to do the song and dance routine that banks want to put you through to qualify for a loan.There are a number of courses available out there,check for posts on this forum.

The things I mention, plus utilities, taxes, insurance, routine maintenance, capital expenses, etc.

Do any of you routinely use one of those sites with success??

This is just slightly skewd from our normal routine. :D

.$ * An owner while arranging for some routine repair work at her vacant home decided to turn OFF the AC to save money on the electricity.

I routinely tell my customers that the absolute best way to get the most out of their house is to fix it up themselves and sell it with a realtor.