Per month I am figuring the following:Cash flow: -175 to -200Appreciation: 0Principal reduction: +240Tax advantage: +50While, I do come out ahead in theory a capital expense or terrible tenant can cause me hardship.

Personal budgeting and cost reduction are the top two for me in raising capital.

I wish I would've asked for a price reduction.

(This isn't a direct reduction of the rate for refis, it's a reduction in cost.

If she is wanting to close earlier ask for a reduction in selling price or if you are no longer interested get your $5K back in order to terminate contract.

By personalizing with the agent, understanding the sellers position as well as where strategic negotiating points lay, we negotiated at 25k price reduction with another 5k post inspection

If I had knowledge of what was to come, I would have at least asked for more of a reduction on the asking price for sure.

As a result, we have met with many, many families in this situation.My experience is that these families have tried over and over again to work out a fair principal reduction with their lender.

Create an LLC for asset protection and tax reduction. 

I am an Enrolled Agent (like Natalie) and I purposefully went that direction because my passion is tax management and savings/reduction.