Reit's if you look over performance over time tend to be really volatile.

We do a lot of work in flood zones and from what I've heard regarding "stilts"(we call them pilings) is you're looking at 20-30k extra over a traditional slab with a crawl space....Most of our footings are within a couple feet of sea level so we've never needed pilings but if you're indeed that deep you defintiely can't pour a footing on top of muck.....The other concern is flood insurance - the lower your first floor elevation the higher the flood insurance - I'd imagine if your first floor is under 10' the insurance would be astronomical.....your best bet is to talk to an engineer, get a survey, and go from there.

Susan, your best bet is simply going to those chinese pre-fabricated cabinets.

Personally, I'm a Self-Storage Guy, so I'd perform a basic feasibility study to see if Self Storage Would work in this market, and if not, then pursue a conversion to the larger units.  

I'm betting now that your first deal is done, done, done... you're going to do a lot more deals faster.

If your wife knows in advance what KIND of deals you're looking for, I can bet it'll make it much easier to work with her on your decisions.

In exchange for this permission, the Tenant agrees as follows:1.To keep no more than 1 domestic dog(s) as described below.2.To pay additional rent in the amount of $ 0 per month; or3.To deposit with the Landlord a "Non-refundable Pet Deposit" in the amount of $ 250 which shall be held as security for the faithful performance of this pet Agreement and shall be used upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement for the purposes of cleaning the Premises.4.To keep the pet from causing any annoyance or discomfort to others and to immediately remedy any complaints concerning the pet.5.To keep the pet from damaging any property belonging to the Landlord or others.6.To immediately pay for any injury, damage, loss, or expense caused by the pet (In this regard, it is expressly understood that at no time shall the Tenant apply any part of the Pet Deposit towards such amounts due, but rather, the Tenant shall make restitution immediately and separately from the Pet Deposit.7.To keep the pet under control at all times.8.To keep the pet restrained, but not tethered, when it is outside of the Premises.9.Not to leave the pet unattended for any unreasonable periods.10.To hold the Landlord harmless from all liability arising from the Tenant's ownership or keeping of the pet, including but not limited to any liability resulting from the Landlord turning said pet over to local pet policing authorities should the pet be found unsupervised.11.To dispose of the pet's droppings properly and quickly.Also, to coordinate the cleanup of the pet’s droppings with the weekly lawn maintenance.12.To insure that the pet will wear the appropriate Local Animal License, a valid Rabies Tag and tag bearing the owners name and phone number.All licenses and tags must be kept current.13.Tenant agrees to control flea infestation and will exterminate if necessary, and upon demand, in any and all areas affected with full cost to be paid by tenant. 14.Tenant agrees that Landlord will not be responsible for the injury, harm, or death of the animal, and agrees to hold Landlord harmless for any damages suffered as a result of any harm caused on the animal or by the animal upon another person, guest or employee.

I bet it feels pretty good when you think back to that single moment when you thought: "You know what I need to create the world's best site for real estate investing".

Get a feel for similar homes and how they perform and how you can edge them out and do a little better.

If you run your business dilligently, have liability insurance, etc...and your properties cash flow I would bet you sleep VERY well at night!