===================================Yes, there are many more, with decisions that go both ways, that we can play the "case study" game for years with the "I'll see your two veil piercings and raise you an appellate reversal".

Our local REIA group is really active and joining it was the best decision I ever made.

Here's was my Pre-Purchase Checklist when I first started:Upon Contract AcceptanceEnsure Access to Property: * Make Copy of Property Key(s) * Purchase New Lockbox * Place Key(s) in Lockbox and Install at Property (hidden)If Certified Funds are Required for EM: * Get Certified Funds for EM from Bank * Submit Certified Funds to AgentIf Financing the Purchase: * Send Contract to Loan Officer * Provide Loan Officer Property Info * Connect Loan Officer with RE Agent Info * Have Loan Officer Schedule Appraisal * Make sure Loan Officer Knows Anticipated Closing DateDue DiligenceInspections: * Turn On Utilities for Inspection (water, gas, electric) * Schedule Termite Inspection * Schedule Property Inspection * Attend Inspection and Take Notes for “Scope of Work” * Get Final Inspection Report and Review for “Scope of Work” * Get Termite Letter/Pest Inspection ReportContractor Prep: * Create Scope of Work * Create Materials List * Determine Which Contractors Are Needed: * GC * HVAC * Roofer * Electrician * Plumber * Pest/Termite Control * Painter * Landscaper * Carpenter * Schedule GC Walk-Through(s) * Get Contractor QuotesPurchase Decision: * Perform Final Financial Analysis Using Estimates/Quotes * Perform Both Flip and Rental Analysis * Make Go/No-Go Decision on PurchaseUpon Contingency FinalizationFinal Purchase Prep: * Get Closing Date from Lender/Agent * Arrange Landlord Insurance Policy * If Financing, Connect Insurance Agent with Loan Officer * Follow-Up on Appraisal with Lender * Choose a General Contractor * Choose Sub-Contractors (if no GC) * Determine Exit Strategy * Create Rehab Schedule (if no GC) * Create Final BudgetPrior to ClosingFinal Loan and Closing Prep: * Obtain and Review HUD-1 * Obtain and Review GFE (if financing) * Ensure Loan is Ready for Closing (if financing) * Get Certified Funds for Closing * Determine How to Hold Title * Get Partnership Agreement Documents Signed (if partnering)Upon ClosingDay of Closing: * Get Keys * Change Property Tax Records to Home Address * Get GC and Sub Contracts/Docs Signed * Arrange GC and Sub Start Dates

This doesn’t have to be some sort of agonizing either/or decision.

Some of the words got clipped out in your post:Homeowners don’t have to pay the closing costs upfront because they just add them to the loan amount but this extends the length of time you will be paying your loan back and it increases the overall interest you pay to the bank over time.This sentence is very poorly worded, IMHO.

While you have a bidding war to lose, you also could potentially lose a good bit of upside if the market drops between now and Spring.If gambling and trying to time the market is something you want to try, I recommend you hold off until next winter after the election, hope that there is a major change in which parties are elected, and then take advantage of the influx of new politicians and their staffs to DC (who will be looking for places to live).Of course, I believe that's a bad decision as well.

Very poor management staff too.

Then, when they call you out on it, pass the buck and admonish them for not taking responsibility for their investment decision.

The decision regarding S-election should be based on your investing strategy.

I continue to listen to all of above whenever possible, and they heavily influence my investment decisions.