How to Fling an Otter Across Two States

[LoisB]

Hey Everyone!

I need to check in...We are in NY looking for a place to live. So, we had this one lead on a farmhouse that needed work, but was in our price range. We were anxious to see the place and get the whole "where to live" thing settled. Bottom Line: It was a dump. D.U.M.P. Really discouraging. So, we drove around and looked for some other properties. NOTHING.

There was one property I had seen online, but written off because it was too pricey. Anyway, I noticed they lowered the rent and called to see it. WE LOVE IT. LOVE IT.

Even D12 who absolutely doesn't want to move...She LOVES IT. It has everything we want...The WHOLE she-bang. So, I was honest with the realtor and told him my credit situation and he said it was not problem as long as I have a letter from my new employer. Then, I asked if the owners would take a bit lower in rent.

We were on a high...we found our place to live, it's perfect...then, the realtor calls and says the owners refuse to go any lower...$1,550 per month in rent. Ugh. My buzz was killed. The realtor started asking specific questions about what I can expect in child support, alimony, etc...Well...thanks Smokey, nothing is settled...sooooooooooo....

Meanwhile, D12 is over-the-moon excited about this house and I'm seeing this spark in her that I haven't seen in, literally, years. She is excited for life and excited about her own room and excited about this and that and MOVING.

So, now, I'm thinking...how do I make this happen? How do come up with another $7,000 per year in order to make this do-able...comfortably without killing myself.

I can ask D20 to contribute, but I don't want to ask her to contribute more than $300 or so per month. And, I don't want to depend on her income.

I need something that will bring in a little extra cash each month...$600 per month...to be exact.

I want this for my kids...so badly.