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. 

Here are some recommendations for you: Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

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?

The market and locations you select are important.  

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.