That's a lot of time driving back and forth. 

We love NJ but it's time to go, this state is expensive with tons of competition. 

Our main hesitation is simply that we feel that pets will cause additional damage, odors, etc..If we were to consider this, what are you currently charging for fees, either one-time or additional monthly fee(s)?

A good broker can communicate between multiple lenders and often times has established relationships within the C-suite levels of multiple lenders that they can make calls on your behalf to "shake some trees" and get things processed not just in a timely manner, but in a manner that is on time based on what you are trying to do.Unfortunately it is not uncommon per se, but knowing where these hang-ups tend to happen and how to time everything based on lenders timelines and processes is where it can be helpful to have 'go to' lenders that you are familiar with, and they are familiar with you to help get things done.Good luck though, happy to help where/if I can.

Feel free to reach out any time!

The solution to that problem is that next to our attic there is a small room with a toilet and a shower, which one of our neighbors owns but has not used for a long time.

Again, your time and response is very much appreciated.   

Does that just increase your hold time, so decreases real estate activity?

I've been building a 1 bedroom carriage house on the property in my spare time for the last few years which my wife and I plan to move into in the next few months so we can rent out the house.

A lot of long time renters will look at a 5-10k buyout as hitting the lottery.