I just graduated from Mizzou and moved to Denver, so it sounds like we are of the same mindset but on opposite paths.

If you read books and take course to learn how to run a successful remodeling or construction company, they are often the exact opposite principles of what I read in blogs on this site and others about hiring a contractor.  

Those are three different prices, for the same house, in the same city.Imagine the differences between Memphis and Toledo...in different States, at opposite ends of the country.  

A general rule that works in my market at least is if inventory is less than 6 months, it's a sellers market and prices will be higher, the opposite is true of over six months.

These entinties are representing these properties as turnkey, checked out, rehabbed, vetted etc.....when the exact opposite happens sometimes apparently.

If you have the money, i would do that plus add a metal z channel going opposite direction of the joists ( screwed on top of the existing plaster ) and then add another layer of drywall. the Z channel leaves a space that helps in sound transmission. the problem is the sound is transmitted through the existing floor joists too, so just the insulation will not do it because the joists are still against the ceiling. this is something similar, but in this picture they used clips in combination to hold off hat channel from the existing ceiling which will lower your ceiling about another inch. 

This is the opposite of what I experienced a decade ago when all I was doing was writing offers for people with no money down.

Three RE locals take the opposite opinion in the article, so don't be too alarmed.

When I say that, I do not mean that you should treat them badly, just the opposite, but you should treat them in such a way that they know you will strictly enforce the lease agreement and that you are in control.I don't know what being pregnant has to do with the return of deposit, but....In regard to keeping the deposit, what does your lease say about it?  

I went the opposite route and went with a 100 percent commission brokerage.