I am still developing my negotiating skills, so right now I am at a stand still.

Just to throw a different perspective out there, I just read this article on MSNBC:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43682716/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/WASHINGTON — Hiring slowed to a near-standstill last month, the government said Friday, as employers added the fewest jobs in nine months.

But I am at a stand still running numbers over and over again...

(Sorry in advance for the n00b question)The project has been at a stand still for 2-weeks and I have been bounced around from permitting department to plan review department to planning department without any luck.  

Pretty ridiculous, but interesting that the owner made his money in timeshares and construction of the house has been at a standstill due to the financial collapse.

I agree, and there is currently low volume since the banks are standstill on foreclosures and loans can be deferred.

At this point my ambition and career is on stand still while i wait for this to be resolved     Thank you 

Finding a fully performing property especially at the 50% suggestion with multifamily is a non starter.A trophy property the owners will demand a premium.The typical buyer is a doctor,lawyer,etc. who wants a newer property in turn key condition to us as a tax shelter.They don't really need the income all that much.What I see most investors going after including myself is value add deals.Where you have a burnt out landlord or a property with deferred maintenance or both.Some people have more money than sense and do not make good managers.The value add deal is where you can create equity and cash flow the quickest.Many investors love apartment foreclosures from banks.There is no emotion like from a regular seller but also there isn't usually as many ways to structure a deal.So each avenue has it's pluses and minuses.If you talk to banks they are hoping the market gets better.If you talk to buyers many say we are still in a recession and will not pay the banks prices based on over inflated appraisals.So what you have is a stand still in the bid-ask gap pricing.Some product is moving but not the kind of volume to turn the market around yet.If you want start out with one house and build from there.I agree with everyone on the fees.The contractors will suck you dry.You have to know what work you want to do and not to do.I tell contractors I want investor pricing and that I am very cheap and want a deal.If they are looking for a retail deal don't even waste my time.Between plumbing,electrical,pest control,lawn maintenance,and on and on your cash flow can go out the window real fast.On my apartment building I have a cheap handyman mow the grass and do minor repairs.Grass company wanted a one year contract and 210 a month!

It is getting to a stand still.  

So we stand still and do nothing when the right and profitable course is to take action.