Can't see a JV between Starbucks and McDonalds working now that McD's has a taste of these super caffeinated margins.So when I say "granted them a license" it is tongue in cheek.

Welcome to BP Arron.The post you referenced, from Ian, was a one where the poster (Ian) proclaimed that his expertise would be available for a short time; the reaction to that may be what makes you hesitant.That is a taste of how one can expect things here on the site, if one stoops to tactics that the site's members find distasteful.

HOAs provide some assurance that your neighborood will still appeal to mainstream tastes 10 years from now, at the cost of a small amount of personal freedom.

You should read through the BP bulk REO forum posts to get a taste of how this might turn out.

I then respond to their statements that I have many buyers sending me specific tastes on properties that fit their appetites.

The meetings have become too pitchy for my taste and I've not been in a while, but there were typically 6-8 deals at the big meetings and 3-4 at the smaller meeting.

I wouldn't touch a Starbucks with a ten foot pole.They are contracting heavily nationwide and repositioning.When they were growing they had no competition.Now every restaurant chain practically has some kind of fancy coffee or frapaccino.Many now instead of a 4 dollar drink at Starbucks can go to Mcdonalds and get similar for a 1.00.I know it's not the same but people will trade quality for big savings for OK taste to get a fix.I know about the restaurant industry and was in it for 10 years before getting into real estate.Same goes for Blockbusters.They are getting crushed by Netflix and Redbox DVD.They are fixing to go into bankrupcty and go under.As lifestyles and technology changes some business will flourish and others will expire.This is why it's important to know what is growing and what is contracting so you aren't left with an empty space and no cash flow.

They may not want your furniture and have their own tastes.

I always wanted to get into LO's but seems to complicated for my taste.

I had to remove a few Troll posts (and replies to them, which were all done in good taste) from the thread, because I don't think the intent here was for people to start the petty name calling, but to have an intelligent discourse about war.Lets discuss this without all the name calling . . . thanks!