I'd attack the credit report :) 1) lower (pay down) whatever accounts have a high utilization percentage 2) contact each of 3 major consumer credit agencies and get a free report, then dispute every hard inquiry that is *NOT* associated with an open account 3) call the credit cards you already have established and ask for a credit line increase -- often can be done online and they do not verify income, hint hint. 

Should I be visiting, asking neighbors questions, getting a feel for the neighborhood and home (in person rather than just off of online research) before buying or making offers? 

Thanks for your in-site Bill! 

@Lake Bradford, without knowing anything else about your financial profile, I recommend that you consider house hacking your first deal upon your move to Atlanta.

Highs typically range from 87°F at the start of the month to 74°F by the end, with lows cooling between 65°F and 53°F.

In another year as interest rates come down, and the boom of cabins that came online over the last two years starts to get sucked in, I think there's going to be a return to solid and steady growth in demand for new cabins.I love my numbers eithe way though. 

** If you’ve engaged in rent-to-own or lease option transactions, what tips do you have for making sure it’s a beneficial arrangement?

Any tips or opinions on this topic would be much obliged!

The seller needs to find a way to be honest without tipping their hand.

The land represents ~1% of the purchaseOn the contrary - if you purchase a $2 MM shack in manhattan on a postage stamp lot, the land could represent 99%Lever 2 - % of the property with a shorter useful life.Not all parts of a piece of real estate are depreciated at the same speed.Certain personal property assets have SHORTER lifespans in the eyes of the IRS vs the standard 27.5/39 year livesProperties with tons of this often have:- Over-developed land sites (hardscaping, pools, retaining walls)- Fancy Fixtures- Fancy Furniture (STRs!)