I am too young to have witnessed it, but I read history.

I am certified by the state of CA to testify as an expert witness for ad valorem taxes. 

Or we need to go to Cleveland, use all our wits to beat the crappy market to prove our manhood?

That way you have a first hand witness that also verifies they moved should you need it.

We're still trying to get loans on these properties with new banks, but I must admit that I'm at my wits end here!

Just giving you a little perspective from someone that has witnessed this scenario over the last 4 decades. 

One of the main reasons why I would like to get into real-estate investing is because time and time again I witness my father doing the hard work that ends up making investors big money.

Jay, as a 20+ year banker that witnessed both the S&L meltdown in the late 80s/early 90s, as well as the commercial bank failures beginning in the early 2000s, from Ground Zero, I thoroughly understand the need for strict underwriting standards.  

@Jerry W.,It

@Alpha Diawara Ok, my latest commercial loan:20 years amortization 7 Year Fixed Interest Rate w/ it ballooning at year 7.MEANING, my total amount financed is divided amongst a 20 year repayment plan @ a certain % of fixed interest.