Once we were well under contract and the rate lock-in date rolled around, the rate magically "jumped" up by about a point and a half from what our original quotes were.

To get the ball rolling, I've listened to many of the BiggerPockets Real Estate podcasts, I'm reading Brandon's book; Rental Property Investing and listening to Rich Dad, Poor Dad on Audible!

After you can push them all you can cut expenses (Separate utility lines and charge to the tenant?)

Low slope roof on 1,200 sf starter home in working class neighborhood.It seems like the proper option is a TPO roof with and estimated lifespan of 20 years.It seem that the cheaper option is to replace the exsisting MSR roll roofing with the same again which has a 8 ish year lifespan.The price difference is $1,800.Do buyers know or care ?

I'd recommend he investigate rolling 401k funds into a self-directed IRA.

Money just rolls in.

But heck, you can get the ball rolling right now!

All of this has pushed months supply to a new low of 1.7 months. 6 months is considered a neutral stance.

I just got an estimate on a refi and it looks like it would save me $148, but it would push my loan amount to $174K and back to 30 years.  

That gain will likely push into the highest tax bracket and a large increase there and/or less favorable capital gains treatment could be a big stinger.5.