For example, if they really want $500k for a property, maybe offer a purchase price of $500k but a lower down payment and interest rate (and a longer-term).

But with that comes more expenses, more insurance, more turnover, more cleaning services (I live 3 hours away) - so much more to deal with. 

-we were quoted some private flood insurance around ~$1800 for what we thought was adequate coverage for all buildings, underwrote that number, and moved onA little further along we learn the flood zoning is zone AE, private flood insurance isn't much of a thing for an AE zone, and FEMA flood insurance is expensive. 

The contractor with the lower price said he could do it but it would add $900 to the price.  

Rising insurance costs are probably the number one driver right now of our overall expenses.

There is a famous case in San Francisco a few years ago where a local couple bought the HOA property like sidewalks and streets, in an expensive neighborhood.   

Most of the expense in removing the tree is in disposing of it.

Is it less expensive to rent or own in NOLA? 

Might be a lower commission if it was part of a larger package deal (like using your McDonalds reference, planning to sell many little things that add up to a lot).

I'm just looking for a good app that can help me record receipts and expenses, help me management income.