We look for nice newer houses in nice subdivisions with good schools, and convenience to shopping, commuting, and such, so we have a good percentage return and real appreciation potential.

I saved hundreds yesterday on one tip about an appliance repair guy who will swap appliances for you for a fraction of even the used appliance shops I've been using around Atlanta.If you're in the Atlanta area use my contact-me off our website and I'll share my contractor list that I've built up from the Deal makers list.

If you shop around at the small banks and credit unions you should be able to find someone that will do a 30 year amortization with a 5 to 10 year balloon at 1% or so over conventional rates.

If the interest-only loans have higher up-front costs (points, etc) than the loan you just used, eliminating the burden of interest payments might actually raise your overall expenses at the end of the day, however.For example, if you can get a bank loan at 6% and 1/2 point, but it is amortized (has principal payments) the payments might be higher than an interest-only private money loan at 10% and three points, but the second option has a higher total cost.You just have to shop around, compare terms, and pick the best fit for you.

When I was shopping our general liability policy I did all I could to get preliminary copies of the policy itself so I can see what I was paying for.

I would shop around and get several estimates.

But you can always shop around and find out yourself.You mentioned about tax advantages while deployed.

Close to shopping, transportation, etc.

I'd suggest you continue to shop around.

I am in the process of loan shopping.