Slowly, over the years, Abu bought small multi-story retail and office properties, called shoplots.

maybe the owner wants full retail price even though it needs all these repairs... and thus isn't a deal. 

The SEC typically stays away from 506c losses because its accredited investors - they will focus on those that hurt the retail investor.

The Front Range market has a very pronounced seasonality to it: March-June is "selling season" when the bulk of the listings hit the market and all of the retail buyers are out hunting.

In August 1999, TREC amended Section 535.20 of the TREC rules to provide that for purposes of that section, the term "valuable consideration" includes, but is not limited to: 1) money; 2) gifts of merchandise having a retail value greater than $50; 3) rent bonuses; and 4) discounts.

This first-of-its-kind project addresses California’s housing shortage by repurposing an underutilized site into a vibrant residential and retail space.Of the 800 units, 180 will be affordable housing, with amenities including a rooftop pool and fitness center.

If you're paying retail for a property, its hard to make the numbers really work. 

I would like to solicit feedback from both consumers and the pros on the feasibiltiy of buying a nice house near the beach near retail (I'm thinking NJ), then flipping it as quarter-share fractional interests at a premium.

Simply trying to beat big box/Costco pricing and their retail prices aren't less.

As @Nick Harrington stated the main drawback as I see it is that you are buying at retail or very close to it.