It is usually fast and cheap to file this kind of thing pro se.

I'm closing on a rental sale tomorrow on the SE side of Ocala, which should be a good rental for decades.Contact me if you'd like to connect further.

If what one client needs done takes four to five hours and they don't have another project reasonably close by to fill the remainder of the day, they lose out - thus they charge for their availability per se, more so than their actual time.True professionals shouldn't take any offense to a client asking about rates/costs/etc., so don't be shy next go-round - ask ahead of time and make your hiring decision accordingly.

As someone from SE Michigan just learning about real estate these posts have been very helpful. 

Generally, interest income is also appropriately classified as portfolio income (ordinary income and portfolio income are not mutually exclusive) unless the lender is in the trade or business of lending money, at which point the income may be appropriately treated as trade or business income subject to SE taxes.So, seems like all 3 of us have been in agreement all along

I wouldn't worry about calculating return, per se.

A dwelling needn't be occupied per se to be claimed as a homestead, however, you would need to prove with undeniable certainty that there has been a total abandonment with an intention not to return.

Your family income and family frugality is another HUGE advantage, especially when combined with the previous point about housing costs in SE WI.  

There are plenty of worthwhile investments at the 1% level, and in my opinion, even at the .8-.9%.Is the home located in SE Raleigh?

I did not have it "set up" per se, but I did form a relationship with a lender and had a pretty strong indication that I would be able to refi after rehabbing my cash purchase.I actually found 2 lenders, both small and local.