Reason I ask is there are going to be a lot of real estate ventures where ALL money is lost, and many are due to poor management or buying a deal they should not buy.

The short sale real estate agent should be able to advise you on all of the loss mitigation options and laws specific to your state and help you with each option prior to listing for sale as a short sale and trying to liquidate the property.

I’m based in Atlanta, GA, and currently exploring passive real estate opportunities in the area.

Hey everyone,I’m new to real estate investing and looking to learn from those with more experience in the Florida rental market.

Great tenant that always pays on time - been there for 5 years Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Hi Kevin.I am a real estate agent and prior service.

Jaron Walling said something that caught my attention, "search for and buy a bad roof, leverage it during the negotiation"....especially of the property has been sitting on the market longer than normal for the current market, a "bad roof" might be a gift from the real estate genie.My point is this: get good at estimating and fixing a bad roof (or any particular problem found with most houses that sit on the market longer) and you'll get comfortable buying/fixing properties that scare off other buyers. 

I'm a new real estate investor and I recently picked up Brandon's book "Rental Property Investing"..

You might consider: Consulting a Real Estate Attorney – Your emails may possibly prove misrepresentation.Requesting Public Records – A FOIA request might reveal why the city denied you but later approved the duplex.Escalating to City Officials – Bringing this to local officials could expose inconsistencies.Exploring Tax Write-Offs – A CPA might help offset your financial loss, if it is possible.I’d definitely seek legal advice.

Real estate loans to owner occupied properties where the business of the owner is closed down - or SHOULD be, and the owner needs some time to sell the property.