Matt,I totally agree with you on that, however, I am scared stiff to jump into a big multi-unit because I simply don't know what I don't know.

If you stiff your landlord you'll lose your security deposit (at least a months rent), you will need at least 2 months rent to put down on your new place and it could easily cost you a couple of grand to move.

Everyone has set backs in their life (i.e. divorce, loss of job, death in the family, etc), but that's no reason to stiff you on money they legally owe you.Small claims is one option, depending on the amount and whether you think you can collect on a judgment.Another option is collections. 

Even just posting "bandit signs" in the wrong place can get you some fairly stiff fines.Can you - and your partners!

Not unless you want to face some stiff penalties from the IRS.

One other thing, just remember its probably better to wait on a good tenant that will *hopefully* not stiff you than to have a tenant who shows a pattern of not being financially responsible. 

Even if I trusted you completely, I've got no guarantee that one of your other customers isn't going to stiff you and put you in a financial bind, and with you having half of the money for the job before you even start, that leaves me with very little leverage with which to convince you to finish my job when you start having to "prioritize" work and robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Imagine having a property with a stiff mortgage, where you really need to income to make the payment.

If planking is stiff, hardibacker or durock bedded in thinset, creating a monolithic substrate is best option and will take out smaller waves if done correctly.

You can either let them pay the difference, which they will likely stiff you or you put it back on the market, to which you know lost 2 weeks marketing.