There’s a pattern I keep noticing.

A pattern and practice of neglect will. 

INVESTING MINDSET✪ What I’ve found through every profession, game, challenge, or undertaking is the longer you consistently seek to understand the process, not just the result, the better you will be at understanding patterns that emerge.✪ There is a very powerful core truth wrapped up in the idea of investing in your own backyard, but the real wisdom is that you understand the market where you’re investing.

The more focused you are, the faster your pattern recognition improves and the easier it is to tell when a deal actually makes sense.I believe you’re in Atlanta — happy to trade notes or share how I’d think about narrowing a market and building the right local team if that’s helpful.

Quote from @Chris Seveney: If you look at prior years, the pattern is pretty clear.1.

“Federal prosecutors described a similar pattern, with Onofrio allegedly placing his own money into investors’ accounts to make their finances look better to lenders, and also fabricating appraisal documents to inflate the value of properties.”https://www.marketwatch.com/amp/story/turns-out-a-real-estate-guru-peddling-the-deal-of-a-lifetime-was-really-a-fraud-prosecutors-say-11669928059

When growth is paired with cooling labor data, it often leads to rate stability rather than spikes, giving buyers and sellers more confidence to act.Jobless Claims Reflect Seasonal Patterns & the Gig EconomyInitial jobless claims fell by 10,000 last week to 214,000, remaining historically low.

That experience is what makes conservative assumptions possible when access is limited — you’re not guessing, you’re pattern-matching from past jobs.

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.  

This isn't coincidence; it is a pattern of intent and malice.