The square is currently undergoing a massive (and well funded) revitalization effort, which I thought would be as good a place to hitch my wagon as any.

If it was ripped like the one in the pic, no wonder why it didn't taste tender enough - too much muscle and not enough fat. 

This coverage is not available through most insurance companies and is only available for certain types of properties (usually 1 - 4 unit properties that are in decent condition and not undergoing a "major" renovation).- The underwriting issues mentioned by Stasiu Geleszinski are also very important.

Solution:oStop dipping your toe in the water and go ALL IN on one marketing channel (in case you are wondering, Direct Mail is my bread and butter when it comes to finding motivated sellers).oMake one channel Fat, Healthy and Producing Leads first.

When the time comes, if I know quite bit more about the processes parties undergo, I can run a checks balance method of myself, agent, and etc...

REMEMBER: Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered. 

Chicago code is that EACH habitable room must be at a SUSTAINED temerature of 68 degrees F during the day and SUSTAINED 66 degrees F at night.

Even if you are holding the cash on the sidelines while you look for a deal, you still are better having access to the cash instead of having a fat balance sheet.

Many years ago, stock brokerage had fat commissions.   

And it's fair, it's a very minute thing and a complete fat tails scenario.