This has left us with significant carrying costs and financial strain.

The rate might be .5% higher for the 30 year, but looking at it financially what if you took that $187/mo and invested it into the stock market at 7-9% returns? 

I would make sure financially you have a good base and then connect with a local agent

Only for it to be denied because she had filed an appeal at the state court. 

I'd go to Small Claims Court (<$7000. in MA).

So, if you fail to apply the correct assumptions to a property, your expectations won’t be met and it may even be a financial disaster.We use the following to rank Property Classes, in order of importance:Property Tenant Pool: closely linked to location, but not always.Property Location: closely linked to tenant pool, but not always.Property Condition & Amenities: it’s important to, “Maintain to the Neighborhood.”Key metrics for each Property Class:Class A Properties:Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 680+, no convictions/evictions in last 7 years.

Many people choose NOT to have this, because the administrator will then vet every investment you make to ensure you do not invalidate your IRA.Invalidating your IRA means that you've done a prohibited transaction and the entire account is then deemed as distributed to you.If you don't want checkbook control, then I recommend a plan administrator such as Equity Trust - www.trustetc.comIf you are sure that you're aware of all the rules around prohibited transactions and disqualified people (who you can and can't do business with), then a plan administrator like Sense Financial would be a good place to start talking.  

Even when I was younger, I understood that it could be a great way to achieve financial freedom, retire early, and live without the stress of money constantly hanging over my head.

Rocket Mortgage is headquartered downtown as is Ally Financial.

New agents may struggle with periods of no income while waiting for deals to close.Solution: Budget wisely, build a financial cushion, and prepare for slow months.