I'd like to give you food for thought about a few more items. 

I'd like to highlight three issues in your post that you don't seem to be looking at carefully and asking, "What can go wrong with this?"

As others have said, from an investor's standpoint, you should be able to find an investment that is improving your financial position and not draining your cash reserves.Sorry for the long post, I realize I'm jumping all over the place but this is just food for thought from another HB'er :)

Not Starbucks, Whole Foods and an Apple store. 

Sorry this was long and I hope I gave you some food for thought.

IMO the following map has the 'war zone' highlighted.

When meeting with potential investors, be very clear that "this" is not a live deal, but a deal similar to what you're looking for.It's much easier to go over something that looks 95% alike to what you will be showing them when you find a deal, but it also gives you practice on your presentation and highlighting why your deal is worthwhile (refinance in 2 years, great cap rate, value add opportunity,...)

I think the Field Foods aspect is a big plus as currently residents would have to drive to Richmond Heights, Maplewood, or Southwest Garden to get to a Schnucks or Shop'n Save.

Currently I am pipefitting with the union to just keep food on the table.

As for speakers (I do speaking myself), you are limited on time and need to give highlighted deal examples as people there don't really want to hear the true life of a note investor (spending the day acting like a administrative assistant).