Tax basis is $215K, we will buy it for $200K with 10% downpayment and 90% seller finance (30 year amortization) with a balloon payment option within 5 years.

-you will be very, very negative on a monthly basis if you continue to pay for the utilities.

I am familiar with the "rudeness" but that unfortunately is not so uncommon when dealing with government employees who have to deal with the public on a daily basis and is something you just have to have thick skin for.

Ok so I sold a property for 1,050,000 cost basis was 175 exchanged for another property for 860k.

Or is it considered a price reduction, lowering your cost basis in the property?

I listen to the podcasts driving to work everyday.

There will be no gain on the sale of the property for the estate since we got the stepped up basis when she passed.

I assume we'd start on 1099 basis at least for a while until we feel stable enough to offer employment. 

I found a different builder for my upcoming projects that offers consulting services on a monthly basis.

Just take action each and every day, and fail forward.