Again, for less than cost of blinds some times but certainly a lot less maintenance than blinds and, as mentioned, for some stylings blinds just are not the right fit and glass treatment can be a nice improvement, and improved showing/ user experience = $$$$. 

Our script consists of the following questions:Condition of the propertyTimeframe of when they would like to sellReason for selling (motivation)Asking priceThe key is to listen to the homeowner and identify if they fit your criteria.

There are a few homes in the 215k-230k range if that makes you more comfortable, but you usually get what you pay for.The price of your first rental should be what you can afford and fits your investment strategy.

(It's also possible that because your loan amount is going to be so high, the 28K still fits within the allowance; I don't deal with regular residential mortgages enough to know the exact allowed percentages right now but I know it frequently comes up as an issue.)My other major question/concern would be whether it's actually a legal 4-unit property, particularly regarding the basement unit you mentioned.

The agents that are willing to reduce their commission off the bat might not be the best fit.

Everyone has a different goals and investment criteria, so this is not a one size fit all kind of situation.I will suggest that you clearly define what you what and do some research then go from there.

In terms of my realistic personal bandwidth over the next 3-5 years, LTR may be a better fit for my lifestyle.

Everyone here has there own preferred areas to invest, which fit their specific situation. 

Maybe they were just trying to explain that your expectations will not fit with the way they operate their business.

This is huge.Bonuses are going out of their way to find you properties that might be a fit and sending these to you every day.