The area is a very nice heritage neighborhood with 800k mansions a stone's throw away, though the immediate area is cheaper, 200-300k and also has some mansions converted to apartments.

You can always find someone to do it cheaper but you won't find out how good they were until the install is complete.

So the cost of unlicensed contractors for anything from painting to plumbing is much cheaper than licensed and bonded contractors.

I tell you, my husband(law school loans) live cheaper now than we did before I became an Attending.

Here's a new wrinkle for you...It appears that my married filing jointly taxable income is less than $72,800, meaning we may qualify for the zero percent capital gains tax rate.

That income is taxable unless tax-free bonds are used.The proceeds are distributed to the selected charity at the grantor’s death.The grantor receives an income tax deduction for the gift to charity.

A cheaper dollar compared to other currencies increases the demand for U.S products as they become relatively less expensive compared to other countries.

If inflation does kick up, which is entirely possible given the huge US deficits (inflation makes those debts cheaper to repay), then owning some property gives you protection.Buying with leverage is a two-edged sword.

As Tim pointed out, if inflation in rents keeps pace with inflation in expenses, the net advantage is that property you leverage today is being paid off with tomorrow's cheaper dollars.

Grainger has one for $313 and I've found that its almost always possible to find things cheaper than those guys.