The same is true of Vietnam There is no doubt that both China and Russia remain totalitarian governments, but as I said totalitarianism can be on the right or the left. 

A key remaining part of my question: I'm wondering if there are development lenders who take collateral not from the development asset (land. etc) itself but from other properties that the developer might own (less risky )My thinking is - if I can get comfortable with the value of the collateral, then I don't have to worry about the success of the actual new build as much.

If  you don't have a list showing you've used all of the deposit, then the remaining must be returned.  

All legal rights pursuant to the Rental Agreement, including return of any Damage or Security Deposit(s) are assigned to the Incoming Resident and remaining residents.

It has worked so well I installed another one this year and plan to install one every year in the remaining units.

In this case, I’d be assuming the existing loan (contract for deed with 4 years remaining on the term), and bringing the 20% down payment as a mix of a private capital and my own capital.

The process enables those bozos to remain unscathed. 

Secure a conventional loan for the remaining balance, and use alternative financing options like FHA loans.

Once you qualify for REPS, your current losses are unlocked but your past suspended losses remain locked. 

The remaining depreciable basis will be captured over future years.