Hi Kara...Steal was a harsh word..lol Didn't mean it like that..more like beat me to the punch :).

So I hope I am not too harsh - my biggest difficulty was admitting that I did not know enough to invest in my local markets, which at the time were more expensive than the out of state markets I bought in.The benefit and reward can be the exact same in each market.  

I still call that a waste of animal control resources when the owner is evident and cure/quit is done.Maryland has some harsh pet rules for both cats and dogs-- leashes and license tags.

I'm pretty sure everyone here knows how that turned out.Home ownership is great, but the harsh reality is that not everyone is suited for it.

I've found that while many may find my approach to be harsh at times, even unacceptable, it's not personal and many more members benefit than do not. 

This may sound cold and harsh but I think it is reality.You can't really focus on being an investor if you don't know where your next meal is coming from, so I would focus on that part of the equation first.

@Raffaello Cervera  I would not say scam, much to harsh.

The harsh reality of this situation is beginning to set in.  

In an effort to not sound like a harsh landlord, wouldn't she be responsible for this service call?

As a type of creditor, perhaps some look too harshly on the idea of bankruptcy.