Moreover, we're in a very competitive owner occupant market where anything close to habitable is getting snatched up by occupant DIYers at prices we can't touch.  

You will receive an Addict award along with a habit; as well as learning and retaining useful real estate information without struggling.Brandon Turner mentions we are considered to be the average of the 5 people we spend the most time with.

While all of these are vital for many different reasons my suggestion would be to find what really fits YOUR lifestyle.There is no wrong or right with which direction you take in RE (As long as you do your due diligence of course) just as long as it fits YOUR lifestyle because in the end you need to be happy and confident in what you do and not try to pursue someone else's  direction simply because they have had success in it.One of the best ways to really gain the knowledge you seek is after you pin down you niche really reach out to those in that specific field.

My sense is that he doesn't have any money, so he's attempting to distract you with a bogus warranty of habitability claim.

I also like to look at spending habits in the bank statement.

I think there are some good scripts around the threads that build rapport and get you vital information.

Banks will not lend on properties that are not habitable and have an entire checklist of items that will render the property ineligible for financing.

Welcome to BP, lots of reading, but, I suggest you get your RE School book now or asap, and study that as you may pick up a bad habit or info to be confusing, you need to go to school with a blank mind, not preconcieved notions.Thank you for serving!

I have listened to around 15 books this year, many several times because the info is that good.The New psycho-cybernetics (by far the best)Think and Grow RichHow to Win Friends and Influence PeopleRichest Man in Babylon4 Laws to Financial ProsperityMillionaire MindGoals, by Brian TracyPurple CowThe DipE-myth4 hour work weekArt of the Sale, Zig ZiglarTotal Money Makeover7 habits of Highly Effective PeopleRich Dad Poor DadSecret sauce, Steve CookHow to talk to Real Estate Seller -Bill GuerraCrashproofI also listen to Peter Giardini's pod casts at blog talk radio, and his weekly market update at the clubmastermind.BTW, every book on this list I would recommend.

@Peter FokasMake a habit of asking if your properties have green cards.