This seems reasonable but has been only laughed at so far

tralfamidor - I’ve been a Doper for a long time. Let me just tell you that you’re getting off on the wrong foot so far. Not just this thread, but in many. True, you may not be here to make lifelong friends, although that can happen. But the route you’re headed in is going to make you a pariah. You’re posting obtuse and provocative posts (at a great rate - almost 20 per day!) instead of trying to learn how things are done here and maybe trying to fit in.

That doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone - we have a pretty diverse population, often with people vehemently disagreeing, wild name calling, and profanity. But right now you’re running full tilt into walls, bouncing off and then ramming them again. Maybe you need to read more and post less until you get the hang of it.

We’ve had posters that have had bad starts before who become valued members of this board. If becoming part of our community is what you’re trying to do, make an effort. Otherwise, maybe some other board will fit your personality better than ours. I can pretty much guarantee you that we aren’t going to change for you.

StG

Smash cut to a future jeremiad about the injustice of the mortgage loan application process.

I have to call bullshit on these Manhattan rental stories. I rented a studio in the East Village in 2001 for $1800 a month. I spend two days with two different realtors from two different firms (which by a bizarre coincidence ended up happening to be husband and wife) and just stopped when I found a place I liked. The next day I came in with my paperwork and a check and that was it. In 13 years of living in NY, I’ve never heard anyone like “OMG I had to wait in line for an apartment!”

And best of all, the bank wont ask for any personal information to qualify for a mortgage.