Realtors I know describe this as the shoulders, a new baseball field goes in, and the halo extends 5 blocks.

Asking early keeps you in control of the process.And just so you know, you don’t have to carry all of this on your shoulders.

The less people you have looking at your deal, the more it's on your shoulders. 

Loosen up the discounts during the shoulder season. 

James, based on your previous posts, you seem to have some kind of “chip on your shoulder” when it comes to licensed real estate broker/agents.  

Rub shoulders with the rich and it'll all come together. 

If you ever need a shoulder to lean on or want to bounce ideas off someone who has navigated that market, feel free to reach out.

The only thing I would reply to what you wrote, and what I think will help you with what might possibly be a valid chip on your shoulder, is that you say you were being described as a huckster, but JD doesn't know you at all to my knowledge.Part of what I have been saying on here for years is that responders are taking everything as a personal assault on them, but when they do, it's because of an issue they are having with themselves.

Take the housing savings and principal pay down while having your tenant shoulder a chunk of the debt burden.

Quote from @Marc Winter: After just finishing my home inspection recertification, I plugged your question into the system, heres what it said:Most likely cause: Differential movement + thermal expansionThis type of crack is commonly caused by one or more of:Thermal expansion/contraction of a long brick wall (brick expands more than people realize)Lack of control joints in the masonryMinor differential settlement between structural elements (floor line, lintel, or bond beam)Possible interaction with a floor diaphragm or window header lineHow I’d classify itCategory: Non-structural / serviceability crackSeverity: Low to moderateRisk: Usually cosmetic unless it continues to growWhat would confirm thisCrack aligns near a floor levelNo stepped “stair-step” patternNo widening at one endInterior walls at same level may show hairline cracksThe stepped / jagged, diagonal through mortar jointsWhat it looks likeStair-step pattern following mortar jointsChanges direction vertically and horizontallyLocalized area rather than full-lengthSome patched/effloresced areas nearby⚠️ Most likely cause: Foundation movement (settlement or heave)This pattern is classic for:Differential foundation settlementSoil shrink/swell (expansive clay, poor drainage)Localized footing movement (corner or bearing point)The stair-step pattern forms because masonry is weakest at mortar joints, so stress releases there.How I’d classify itCategory: Structural movement crackSeverity: Moderate (possibly increasing)Risk: Needs monitoring; may require repair beyond cosmeticWhat would raise concernCrack width > ~⅛ inchNoticeable brick displacement (one side proud)Interior drywall cracks aligning with this locationDoors/windows near this area sticking🧠 Why these two cracks have different causes (important)Even though they’re on the same wall:1. global wall movement (temperature / restraint)2.