J, my primary mortgage that I obtained at 3.875% before the rate hike I can now obtain fee free from 3.375-3.5% as of today but too bad I cant refinance for 120 days so I am sitting on the sidelines watching all of this play out.

If that is really in play, you should get off BP right now and go get that deal.

I will handle all the demo and some smaller bonus projects myself too.

I also don't invest in the city for multiple reasons (the ED department being one of them, which would probably come into play if you are looking to do something other than buy and resell some land in the OC)I know people who have done very well on Murray Hill and the Gordon square area.

Biggest thing I learned on my first: play hardball, pay less or walk away, always inspect the property yourself (if possible) or get a second opinion, choose a good realtor.

There are so many variables that play into it and out of the company's control. 

Let us know how the rest of the story plays out. 

Most of the time they aren't looking for an excuse to have you NOT pay them.If you lent Jack $20 to buy college supplies, and he's been making his payments to you on time, but you later learn he purchased beer with that money, how would you play that hand?

The problem comes in when you change jobs and one employer calls it a bonus and the other calls it a commission.  

And ironically, there's a very strong argument for the macro playing a much bigger roll in price appreciation or depreciation.