I know these are estimated (for the benefit of the seller) numbers but overall I think it looks fairly solid, WC Equity seems to have some solid reviews both on BP and outside. 

I would think one quality agent sleuth would be more effective, a lot easier to manage (and be more fair to them) than 2 brokers and 2 agents.  

Having an ARM, you might be taking a bit of a gamble and hoping that the Fed will not increase rates.

I guess my question to you all that have experience with real estate is whether real estate is a good option to achieve financial independence fairly quickly (by age 30, is that too ambitious)?

I'm finding it difficult to find loans geared towards rental property investments, as I bank with a larger institutional bank and they are fairly selective in what they'll lend to.

The market is fairly transparent and ton of resources for due diligence, but I do know that foreigners do have tax issues to be wary of - need to structure entities the right way.

Now on the other hand, if commodities, taxes, and many other bills should go down I think it's only fair if you reduce the rent payment of tenants as well.

Knowing that there is a credit/background check, and knowing there is a fee, those who are fairly certain they would not pass won't bother, and if they are serious about wanting the unit the fee is immaterial.

Also I have researched the legalities in MA (the worst state of all) regarding fair housing compliance, we won't do anything "shady".  

2) How would you go about negotiating or arriving at a new/fair number?