@Chinmay J. did you review sample settlement statement from both lenders?

Time + the type of activity (not everything counts) + the activity of all others is a good framework we use to start

My goal is to have the idea and framework by January 1, then line up interviews with 20 guests and then launch the podcast by March or April 1.

Should anyone still want to buy an IKEA kitchen at IKEA, here is my review of the appointment / assembly process, which she/he should plan with: 11.05.2017 1.surveying appointment at home: normal 15.05.2017 1.planing apptmt at IKEA: normal 12.06.2017 1.installation apptmt at home: Planning error (measures copied incorrectly), broken kitchen appliances, broken TV, cabinet gaps, no worktop 13.06.2017 2.planing apptmt at IKEA: complete replaning due to 40cm length planing error 28.06.2017 2.installation apptmt: incorrect parts delivery, scratched, incorrectly cut worktop, broken rear wall 04.07.2017 2.surveying apptmt: new measurement for worktop 13.11.2017 3.installation apptmt: worktop supplied by 5cm too narrow 02.06.2018 4.installation apptmt: worktop supplied by 2cm too wide & 2cm too short about 12 repetitive hotline calls (always longer than 30min) including waiting loop 10 WASTE HOLIDAYS 26 Email pure for the coordination of the kitchen installation 43 Email with IKEA "customer service" for the misclaimed "claim settlement" 300 € collateral damage Zero compensation (91 € were offered to me, which I refused) Conclusion: NEVER AGAIN IKEA !!!!!

I don't know if you mean the settlement company, the title agent or the title insurer but why is it automatically the "title company's" fault. 

I am giving her another month as she is supposed to have a large settlement coming in ( I confirmed with the insurance company) If it doesnt improve after that, I will likely give it another month and then get her out of there. 

Michigan may not have the statutory framework that makes them beneficial in other states.The simple thing to do is just get your real estate license and then there's no issue regarding the questionable legality of it.

I plan to get a few other quotes but I have no idea if this is typical.Processing Fees $495.00Underwriting Fees $695.00 Loan Administration $58.00Fee Discount Points $719.20 Appraisal $515.00Title - Wire / Courier Fee $85.00 Settlement Fee $550.00 Lender's Title Insurance $450.00Recording Fees $90.00Realtor/Broker Service Fee $395.00Tax Prorations $1,500.00Total Estimated Closing Costs $5,552.20

@Joshua Stratton  As others have already point out, no, you cannot be on his closing disclosure/settlement statement as any sort of fiduciary or transaction broker, but if he values your "off-line counsel", there is nothing stopping him from writing you (Joshua Stratton) a check, gifting you merchandise, or giving you anything of value for reasons other than that transaction. 

All that matters is how you are able to manage the cost within the framework of the investments.There are 2 Golden Rules I follow:Golden Rule #1:  Under no circumstances will I ever "spend" my cash.