What I find grating about it is that it's worded like he thinks he's a hot commodity and is expecting Vance to woo him. And telling him what your rent is going to cost... wow.
Maybe wow, or maybe "I respect you, and don't want to waste your time. I'm grateful for the opportunity. But, this is my rent and I must make that much. So, if this drudgework that you're finding isn't paying that much please don't waste any more of your time."
