To be clear I'm not saying 100% it isn't optimistic or underhanded in this specific situation as I don't know enough to make any judgment.

Friends who go to Provincetown regularly are optimistic that the theme weeks will be back in 2021 assuming we reach a critical mass of vaccinations by the end of May.What did you see with your Short-Term rentals?

In other words, are your projections too optimistic? 

But can you try this tactic and let me know if it works...text or call him back saying Im not the right buyer for you.. from there be honest, if he can get the property at a higher price go get it with an agent or on your own but theres a big but...is it move in ready, is it up to code from there you might be able to get more details... is there a loan and if they go with an agent lets be honest the agent is gonna tell the seller what he/she wants to hear and be optimistic with the price which is nothing wrong with that, but is time on this sellers side...the whole basis is to create a rapport with the seller to trust you.

Am I overly optimistic or is this a realistic goal?

I agree - as I was writing these out I was also thinking I was being overly optimistic. 

I already have a friend lined up to rent the second bedroom, which would cover almost half of total monthly expenses, so I'm optimistic about the house-hack for the next two years.

I'd be cautiously optimistic. 

KC's thriving arts and culture scene, growing tech industry and low costs of living are just a few reasons why I'm optimistic about Kansas City's future.

Experts are more optimistic and predict 10% or less.