Imagine if 20-30% of the buying transactions disappeared, and that's a good picture of what life would be like in a stricter system in those countries that you mentioned.These subsidized loans happens largely because US social policy is mostly non-existent towards public housing or rent subsidies when compared to those other home-owning countries.

Marysville Schools don't compare well with neighboring Districts (Lake Stevens).

My passive income is much less than my salary and bonus was, when I compare them before taxes.   

Yes, I can research online, but nothing compares to discussing real experiences with people that have actually done it.

The option money may be non-refundable but the amount will or will not be credited back to you if you do close on the property.Another item you mention is disclosing a defect-Texas has implemented some very harsh wording that states the Seller has to disclose, and if by chance the Realtor is aware of the defect they need to make sure the Seller has disclosed-lets face it we are all scared of any legal action. 

If I understand you correctly, you are suggesting that I need to consider if paying taxes on this deal is money well spent compared to a deal that I could get OPM on?  

Have them bid on the work you want done so you can compare prices and ask to see their previous work/make sure they are licensed, and can sign a liability agreement, protecting you and your business.

Look at the comps and see how well homes with converted garages sell, how do the days on market compare to smaller homes that have the garage. 

I'd love to chat some time and compare notes.  

I've owned both since 2013, I self manage and these two properties take up 90% of my time compared to the other two that I own farther out.Appreciation has been much slower than I had anticipated; there are still a lot of distressed sales in 30318.