It is more cost effective to mortgage and refinance one property worth $150,000 than two properties worth $75,000.

@Anthony Russel You can accomplish what you are trying to do in a much more effective way using PROPERLY structured cash value life insurance.  

HelloI'm currently in a position where I have signed a 6-month fixed term lease, paying $800 per month (effective January 1 2016) - with a three-month termination notice clause. 

I wouldn't bring up the dog again in conversation or any communication.

It will have a negative effect on your credit score!

Ideally, it is the appraiser's opinion to utilize sales which have the most recent settlement dates, however, due to a paucity of settled sales in the subject's market area, it was necessary for the appraiser to widen the market search to obtain comparables with similar utility, style and effective age.

Are there any negative side effects of having a quick deed claim?

Each state has its own terminology, but recording a release, termination or reconveyance of the mortgage instrument should be effective.  

When I'm calling expireds and someone says something to the effect of so and so will cut their commission I use that as an opportunity to point out the agents potential weakness.

I believe doing walk throughs with others like you have been doing Account Closedis the most effective method in learning this.