I'm asking $1,100/side, which is admittedly optimistic, but I've got some decent interest in it. 

I have always thought 75% of rent counting toward the income is too optimistic.

I have found for my own properties, I have not been completely honest with myself in plugging in expenses, or at least being overly optimistic.  

I'm optimistic and do feel I made the right choice, even if I have to step aside in the end and let a retail purchase happen.

Much lower than the 50% rule or even a more optimistic 40% I use when I'm managing properties myself.Are you really saying there will be ZERO maintenance the first year?

These of course are not "solutions" for the distressed owners, but rather optimistically temporary band aids. 

or is it more likely they will want an hourly consultation fee (plus the percentage of the deal)i am looking at a commercial property in a strip mall, although i will run the numbers; i would feel more comfortable with an attorney looking at said deal to confirm that i am not being overly optimistic. 

Basically, it's the optimists IRA. :-)An SD IRA can be converted to a Roth.

And I think you're being overly optimistic to assume that in Lincoln Park, with that home's proximity to the Lake and Park, you'll be able to knock too much off the purchase price. 

I am more optimistic about the economy now than I was 3 weeks ago.