I am a finance major now and have never balanced a checkbook in my life, and never will - I can go online and instantly see my balance.Point being, my school made a minimal effort, but at least they tried - I guess.Also the recent "financial crisis" is only adding to the negative connotation surrounding, well educated, financially literate, high net worth individuals.

And politicians love to tinker with tax incentives with many aspects of housing and many of these tax breaks also influence a homeowner's income level or may not be available at certain income levels.Of course there are "psychic" returns to owning a house - the ability to be left alone, the ability to change your surroundings (paint, wallpaper, landscaping etc) without needing approval from the owner.I have to raise the issue on the point of FORCED SAVINGS.

While larger properties are generally valued based on the income they can produce, 2-4 unit properties are generally valued relative to the value of the SFH in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Is there good opportunity for me to be a birddogger in the San Antonio (and surrounding) area?

Surround yourself with good teammates and be a good teammate yourself!

Make it flush with the surrounding tiles by pressing it down or adding more thinset under it.

The BK Judge valued the home at $800K the highest values of homes in his surrounding neighborhood.Richard2011,Is your name Dawn as I see your sign off on your posts or Richard as your avatar?

The front yard looks okay--it's got actual grass, a small palm tree, and a small mulched area abutting the house, surrounded by a stone border.

Everything already said is great advice but I would add that you need to surround yourself with knowledgeable people you trust.

Personally I have found that educated people that I deal with and have dealt with don't want to surround themselves with, or do business with buffoonery.