But....if you can buy in a smaller town for less than the price of construction, you naturally have some built in barriers of entry.  

Even the best sales people will take 6 months to get begin getting paid due to the natural cycle of real estate, and many people don't close a sale for longer than that. 

Usually, something of that age would be natural gas in western PA.

Is this an issue related to the nature of the work they have to do?

Short sales are speculative by nature.

For example, I believe only five natural persons can take advantage of this exception.

You might have to have a certain portion of your assets in a specific asset-class because of the nature of your business. 

@Russell Brazil thanks, I'm probably naturally a bit more conservative that many, so I try to think about different risk factors. 

The realtor is telling you they are working in your best interest, but the reality is they also have their own interests in mind too - that's just human nature, common sense and frankly to be expected.

A landlord's written notice of damages must itemize the nature and amount of tenant damages, including any unpaid rent or utility payments, and must be accompanied by the balance, if any, of the tenant's security deposit not being claimed for damages plus interest.Did your landlord provide you with an official "written notice of damages" within 30 days of you moving out?