Would a real estate agent or lawyer be a good start to conversations about the area?

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I’m debating whether we need to use an agent or real estate attorney.

Kevin,I am an investor friendly agent in Bellingham.

Thank you, John MockerThat is great advice I appreciate the info, I will keep the functional replacement cost in mind went talking to my insurance agent.

I'm a real estate agent in Redding, CA, as well as a general contractor.

Financing OptionsAnalyze potential properties for house hacking.Assemble a team of professionals, including a real estate agent, mortgage broker, and possibly a property manager.

Go work for a property management company as an on-site cleaner, handyman, leasing agent, whatever.

Just be mindful that the 401K distribution will be subject to A) Federal TaxesB) 10% PenaltyC) State TaxesIt may be more advised to take a 401K distribution in a year where you are not making as much money as your overall taxes might be lower.The question you have, is will the return on the real estate that you purchase, out weight the return that you will get in the stock market that it is invested in?

It sounds like the problem may be with the Assessor's office and not the settlement agent.