From being in business long enough I don't find $2K a lot of money to invest but I don't want to loose it either !!!

You will loose this depending on what your agreement is with your broker.  

You'll own it unencumbered with very small payments at 0% interest for a year, giving you plenty of time to mess up without loosing anything.

 $5k is not out of bounds.

I just had to save a deal from an inspector who scared the buyer with a list of things I can fix in 45 minutes  (loose screw, no gas cap on dryer line , etc).  

What corp America does in Residential, well, I do not get too excited.For me, I look at inventory of avail residential houses and how tight is credit for buyers.FHA is loosing somewhat, but there are the Millennials not buying homes stifling the housing market.  

Now off to get the lay of the land loose myself in podcasts

I would suggest you have a buyer/buyers line up first because you will loose your earnest money is you can buy the property, I believe that under 50k $500 deposit and over its $1000 deposit.

If I do pull the money out, then I'm looking at loosing close to 28K for sells commission too.  

Richmond is growing by leaps and bounds it feels like.