unexpected vacancies. 2 were at market rate, so that sucked.

Generally more, however this accounts for any unexpected bills or situations that arise during this time.

So I'll be marketing as a FSBO on free outlets such as Craisglist and Zillow to save and gain a larger profit.Tell me if I have this right: After I get a buyer, I have the new buyer sign an "assignment of agreement to sell real estate" which state that the new buyer will give the seller the amount that I agreed to pay then and the remainder (listing price - my buying price from seller) would come to me.

Sorry for the unexpected issue.

I would tell them your concern about vacating and you having to eat the costs of an unexpected turn over and that you would like to help them with their new exciting addition to the family as much as possible.

The key is knowing if a national or regional tenant would want to go in there.Larger spaces I have seen entertainment complexes, workout facilities, churches, indoor trampolines, outlet stores, etc.Additionally you can take a large space and cut it up to lease to multiple tenants at higher rates per sq ft.   

I currently invest in the stock market but am looking for an outlet where I can really put my investments to work for me, creating a real estate business seems to be a good fit.

Does anyone have a "standard percentage or rule" they use for setting aside cash for the unexpected during a flip? 

Can you imagine getting an unexpected hit of $108,000?!  

Obviously the income stream would be split 5 ways, but so too would any maintenance costs, thereby reducing the overall risk of not being able to meet any unexpected bills.