If any experts can add to or even correct anything that is incorrect please chime in. 

You must become a expert.

@Matt Boyle no offense, but if you are an appraiser asking for tips from agents about price discovery that is sorta a red flag for me.You as an appraiser are considered to be an impartial expert on value, and agents like it or not have an inherent bias and are generally not trained, licensed or required to follow USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice)Refer to link below for differences between USPAP and BPO.https://nationwide-appraisal.com/appraisal-avm-bpo...I am curious as to why you are asking for tips from agents doing BPO's vs seeking advice from professional appraisers in the Chicago land area?

I'm starting to prepare them myself but still no expert.

Every certified financial advisor will tell you to diversify and not use just one type of investment.

All of this data should be supported from the market.Make sure to hire a certified general appraiser because a residential appraiser can only appraise up to 4 residential units.

Reach out to @Russell Brazil, he is the Maryland and northern Virginia duty expert and will likely be able to help you narrow your search areas.....

Below are my answers based on what I learned (disclaimer: these are my opinions, I'm not an expert at this question)  If anyone knows otherwise please correct me!

yes this requires a tax expert to answer. i have carry forward looses in my canadian personal.

Most experts agree that people have credit card debt because they don't have enough in savings.