Once they started repairing the damage, they found that one of the structural supports was burned on one end, but that meant it had to be completely removed/replaced, and a few other major issues.

It sounds like you have money burning a hole in your pocket, James :-).The tax consequences noted above don’t change because you currently have enough cash.

I've been dealing with this for 10 years.Heck, I'll make you a great deal on a 3 unit if your capital is really burning a hole in your pocket and you want to prove me wrong.You want to make money in Berkshire County?

That's the crap they want to get off the books that they loaned out on and got burned with 3 to 5 years ago.

We just built a spec house on a lot that we bought for $175k (which included permits, utilities were at the property as there had been a home there that had burned down) We built a 2350 sq. ft. house and sold if for $675,000.

So i'm 19 and I have a burning desire to succeed in this business.

The amount of wannabe rehabbers, some pretty competent contractors and people successful in other businesses, attempting the rehab business that I have seen crash and burn and give it up, is significant.

burning bulbs in the kitchen and not a single person for 40 minutes(at least, may be a lot longer).Joke around the house "Do not even try to talk to him after Noon, he is done for a day(wasted, completely)".Landlord, who live at the same building "share" food of tenants.Tenant, looking in the fridge: where is my so and so?

So, I'm trying to interpret his perspective - is he right that I would do better to sit on my hands and do very little investing in the next 400-500 days, or give it away, or am I correct that if I can find the right buyer, I could get some down and a good note, perhaps collateralized, and the risk would simply be that he burns my trees on the way out if I have to foreclose.

However, for me, personally, I think i have the burning desire and motivation inside to get me where I want to be with or without school.