I tried online and it was getting too time-consuming to get the info and coverage I wanted. 

I provided all of the paperwork proving that he himself made the charge (as a policy, we don't take any CCs over the phone, nor collect any CC information) and the bank still sided with the consumer. 

You're consuming cash you could use for something else (unless you're paying PMI, and trying to get rid of the PMI.) 

You can have it professionally monitored (which I decided to opt out of) if you'd like.

My mother inherited the family farm in PA. It is a functional farm with the farmhouse rented. She does not owner occupy the farm. She also is semi-retired and works part time. She would like to take out equity in ...

If there is no cash-out provision, he should opt to receive the payout benefits as quickly as possible, even if waiting would give a higher monthly pay out later. 

Also with the rising cost of homeownership, student debt, and lifestyle many young adults are opting to rent rather than own. 

What tips and tricks have you learned along the way to make it a smoother, less time-consuming process? 

I agree that buying right matters, but don't get so consumed by the idea of finding a great deal that you let a year go by without buying. 

What makes you a consumer (bad) or a professional borrower (good).