I chose to rent it out, and that single decision quietly launched my investing journey.Looking back, I’m grateful I focused on learning, house hacking, and resisting the urge to upgrade my lifestyle too quickly.

It's always funny watching a newbie investor go down in flames because they're penny-wise, but dollar-foolish and think they've somehow figured out a solution everyone else here has missed.Good luck!

What deals are you hitting the most resistance on?

I believe the galvanized is much thicker and could resist freezing better.

Hiring is slow, not frozen.This environment typically supports gradual rate adjustments rather than aggressive moves.What This Means for Mortgage RatesInflation is cooling.Labor data is softening beneath the surface.The Fed remains cautious.Housing affordability is improving.That’s not a crash setup.It’s a stabilization setup.And stabilization is often what allows spring markets to gain traction.What to Watch This WeekFed meeting minutes (Wednesday)Q4 GDP (Friday)December PCE inflation (Friday)Builder confidence + new home sales + pending salesMarkets will be watching closely for confirmation that inflation continues easing.Technical SnapshotMortgage Bonds are testing resistance near 100.38.

There is a path of least resistance here, and I want to ensure you are set up correctly.Thank you again for the feedback.

The 10-year Treasury is hovering near resistance — upcoming jobs and inflation data could set the tone for rates heading into mid-February.If you want help translating this into a buyer or seller conversation, I’m happy to help.

I actually think the points you’re raising explain why Mackay still represents opportunity rather than why it should be dismissed.On the local resistance point, that dynamic exists in every mountain town before it changes.

And if you go with the chemical treatment and they're resistant, and it doesn't kill them all, your guests could take the bugs home with them. 

Resist analysis paralysis and waiting for the "perfect" deal.