I appreciate the insights regarding your transition from public accounting to commercial lending.As technology continues to drive digitization across industries, it remains surprising that some individuals still rely on traditional methods such as keeping receipts in a shoebox.

The promissory note is tied to two properties via security deed/deed of trust.

Hi Josh,The best thing for you and your Fiancée to do in my opinion is the Brrrr method.

I'll try some of the methods you describe in your comments this year and then also analyze them more rigorously and see where they stand.

Clear terms and timely action helped secure the property and begin the planned improvements.

Acting quickly helped secure the property before other buyers could step in.

Just install closet doorknobs and leave security to the deadbolt.BONUS: tenants can't lock their key in house and pester you with an "emergency"!

For shared expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and repairs, you would allocate based on a reasonable method such as square footage or number of rooms, and only deduct the rental portion.

With inflation still elevated, benefits often don’t fully cover essential costs like housing and insurance.That can make the labor market look stronger than it actually is.Meanwhile, continuing claims suggest people are taking longer to secure full-time roles.Bottom line: The labor market isn’t breaking — but it is softening beneath the surface.What This Means for the Housing MarketInflation is sticky but not spiralingThe Fed stays cautiousBuyer demand is returningInventory remains tightLong-term price forecasts remain positiveThat’s not a crash setup.It’s a constrained supply + steady demand environment.If rates stabilize near current levels, upward price pressure becomes the bigger risk — not falling values.What to Watch This WeekADP private payrolls (Wednesday)Jobless claims (Thursday)Full jobs report (Friday)Employment data will likely be the biggest short-term driver of mortgage rate direction.Technical SnapshotMortgage Bonds broke above key resistance at 100.38 last week.

Use a formal promissory note and a mortgage or deed of trust to secure the loan.