legally, as a cost basis of the house, it should have been included in the closing documents because it impacts things like taxes collected by the state, etc.  

The seller did not realize there is a cost to lock in rates.

The unknown is a big factor that WILL cost you money in the long run.

In the meantime, I am trying to better understand the Indianapolis (Fishers, Carmel) real estate market and considering getting a realtors license.In Indiana, the cost for the real estate licensing course is approximately ~$580 and an additional ~$80 annually to maintain.

With the problems they have, any landlord doing a criminal or credit background check on these low-lifes won't touch them.

I'm just curious...I'm here in CA, and with the cost of housing, I'm always wondering if my home is too large and if I should be finding other ways to invest my money, such as buying rental property (2 town homes instead of a house for example) and moving into a house later. 

If so or if you have worked with permits, please provide more details on cost & time line.

What does something like that cost?

Many people are in low rate, fixed loans so they don't have a fear that their mortgage will adjust to where they can't pay their mortgage any more.  

Remember, the cost of a mini split is really driven by the number of head units inside and not the outside unit.