@Patrick McCarthy, Welcome to BP it's seriously the best source of real estate knowledge I've found on the Internet.

I'd like to see reputable sources in parallel with my one-offs random internet searches.Regards,Aksel

Most importantly, I hope this will help me sift through the endless amounts of useless and misguided information on the internet and make the best use of my time.

Internet news is that GM will be closing four plants in MI in 2017 and layoff ~1700 employees, so maybe this is not quite the right time just yet.Don't mean to throw cold water on Detroit but IMO, it's much like waiting for the popcorn to start popping - - it takes awhile.

Will he be installing a new water heater with gold inlays and a built in internet server?

Bank of Internet (BofI) out of San Diego will do these unusual type cooperatives/TIC of ownership last I checked.They also operate in the bay area as well so its something to consider.They do all the non conforming types of paper that fall outside of Fannie and freddie including non unwarrantable condos w/ certain requirements.

REI, internet, whatever it takes... not going back.

The cable is something they chose to have, and they paid to get it, just like internet.   

There's no crystal on the other end of the Internet.

If you have noticed the Internet opens the door for people who want to take money out of your pocket by emotional sales.