For long term rates, the markets have already priced in 1% of cuts this year and 1% of cuts next year, so we will still see them taper down but there will not be a fall-off like a lot of us might hope.  

No one is perfect and issues sometimes fall through the cracks. 

If some applicants fall below your requirements, then everyone would be considered "conditional," you can raise the security deposit to mitigate your risk of someone breaking up or defaulting. 

But there is hope... if you drive through the 4th ward area, you can clearly tell which properties are owned (single family homes with kept lawns and neatly decorated) and which properties are rentals (usually a broken window or two, falling apart porches, messy yards)... the closer to the single family-dense parts in the 4th ward, the better chance you have of getting a rental property that hasn't been laid to waste that you can purchase for a fairly cheap price. 

As rates come down, it will make that budgetary decision (buying a home) more palatable and will give buyers the "flexibility" to offer more in multiple offer situations as demand will increase with rates falling.

Don't fall in love with a property, fall in love with your money. 

As a realtor it is nice to always fall back on getting the listing.

I'm tired of sitting on the sidelines and feel I've started to fall into the "analysis-paralysis" trap I hear so much about.

Since the vacancy is required for the loan, this would fall under the loan contingency.

It is hard because you feel like you are falling behind, but you are so right that I need to ensure that my foundation is stable.