Try this... build a much larger column base at the same height as the bottom of the stone, maybe tapered (bigger at the bottom) and made from a similar stone, with a much larger column (easily built onto the existing post) resting on top.Find a NATURAL, neutral-colored, plain stone or slate, and tile the raised concrete stoop.Paint the entry door a deep, very rich color that complements the brick.Then, the gable on the right with round-butt shingles (I think) needs a lighter color, maybe even a bit bright to complement both the brick and the entry door, since it extends over the stoop.Finally, taller greenery under the stone with a lower front level of varying texture and color (especially around the entry) will result in the stone being much less prominent.

The bottom line with the structure of the deal is for the people involved to be OK with it and for you to trust each other and know you both have each others best interests at heart. 

Bottom line up front: Is it a reasonable assumption that Cost of Funds will be higher than 3.50% five years from now?

The bottom line is there's a whole world out there. 

Maybe as a buy & hold - as long as you understand the risks of a short sale and of being a landlord in Massachusetts.My bottom line would be I'd offer 10% over asking to try to get it under contract. 

And I still don't have a lease proposal to show the lawyer but I'm supposed to go round pestering the professionals in my life for personal references for a lease I haven't even had sight of yet?

Bottom line: the investor buys all materials needed and delivers to the job site?

Bottom line is when you run a business-  you are the standard- and if the players on your team won't play to your standards then fire them.       

If it's at all possible (not a bathroom), consider enlarging that one, or installing multiples.Shingles in the gable are good idea, but use a cleat at the bottom to separate them from the siding.

There, the applicant could fill out all the necessary info including:Name(s)Social Security NumberDriver's License NumberResidential HistoryCriminal HistoryEmployment HistoryAnd then, at the very bottom of the form, there would be a credit card checkout form to pay the $50 fee.