Or, I can refinance with them at 2% origination knowing full well that rates are likely to decrease by the end of the year, but I will be subject to a 3 year prepay so I will be stuck in higher rates, especially as the property is vacant. 

Not decreasing (deflation).

Some locations they raise your property value, some places they make no difference, and some places they will decrease your properties value.Consult with someone local with solar panel experience.

"They" just sell you on "tax benefits" and people think that will decrease their yearly tax. 

I am curious as to what root causes have decreased the Chicago inventory more than other major cities. 

In my opinion, the marketing and pricing always comes down to: will I lose more money on my midterm rental by letting it sit vacant or will I lose more money by decreasing the price?

Anecdotally, we saw steady rent growth on average in our portfolio of homes here in Nashville during last year’s apartment boom, in which the data pointed to a -1.8% decrease in apartment rents.

I also noticed that his communication with me has been decreasing drastically up to the days leading up to his disappearance. 

What will be the interest rate of that savings account when rates decrease?  

So if the Fed cuts in upcoming meetings your rate would decrease.