You also might have a harder time motivating agents to bring you deals if they have to split a commission with you compared to taking it to someone other investor where the listing agent keeps both sides.2.

As AllCash has already mentioned (you have quite a memory there 8) ), the PMI drops off at 80 LTV (loan to value)---based upon the figures you provided, your current loan to value is 88...There is no benefit to a rate and term refinance at this point, if your intent is to eliminate PMI...There might have been a time when comparing a refi option with LPMI (lender paid PMI) might be feasible, but in the absense of more info (and prevailing market conditions), you might be better off leaving things alone.Regards,Scott Miller

If so, how does the preliminary HUD compare to the good faith estimate. 3% seems like a lot (% wise, it might be nothing in $).

For this we obtain multiple bids, compare and make recommendations, coordinate the efforts, oversee the actual work on site (periodically checking progress, documenting with photos, making decisions and change orders when necessary), inspecting and documenting the finished job, reviewing punch list items and authorizing final payment.OTOH, if you are talking about a LARGE project, or development type work...I have no idea!

I have recently acquired a tool that will help me to quickly find information about properties all over the country including foreclosures and preforeclosures, tax assessment values, last sale date, current owner, condition, comparative analysis, etc.

Title insurance is cheap compared to what's at risk.

RE is not a market with great liquidity or with substitution (1 house is not exactly the same as another compared to 100 shares in a company being the same as 100 shares of the same company).You do need to know your market and you do need to adjust to local conditions as they change.RE prices do not fall all that rapidly.

Other comparable rentals.

If you believe that one agent isn't up to par, fire him and get another one - but don't lead him to believe that his hard work is going to be rewarded when there is the strong possibility that it won't.

That's the difference between living in the overbuilt hinterland of Eagle's Point, as compared to world class theatre and gorgeous parks in Ashland.