Someone has mowed the grass, but it is in dire need of landscaping work.

In dire need (which you sound like you are pretty checked out already) you will respond greatly.My definite advice, take a deep breath. 

It was in dire need of work and had current residents that I would classify as hoarders.

I have found an off market 8 unit property that is currently in dire need of repair.

Our price reflected the fact that the furnace, ac, fascia boards, and gutters were all in dire need of replacement.

You can take a cash advance (highly discourage) at the going advance rate on your CC, typically 19-29% upfront, which makes absolutely no sense to do.If you are in a dire situation, I would attempt any other solution if you are well inclined to pay back the amount such as HELOC (if you have enough equity to access this with your lending institution), a personal loan (5.99-14.99% APR), or borrowing from family or friends for the short term.

I have only now secured my first rental. and am in dire need of experience. 

Setting aside the unpredictability of the timing of a recession or its effect on the economy and/or the real estate market, every single poster who inquires about "waiting for the next recession" presupposes they are actually going to have the nerve to buck societal trends and dire economic warnings, zig when the entire market zags, and buy properties when the market tanks. 

Just trying to help you get a picture of the dire debt situation and why it drives commodities, this is not hysteria as others suggest, they are just in denial.

Originally posted by Jake Kucheck: Now if the HOA were to start negotiating on mere delinquencies, I would agree with you 100%.In theory, I completely agree...The problem comes down to whether or not the members of the HOA (the homeowners) would have to -- or even have the option to -- vote on the decision to reduce the fees.If the homeowners got wind of the fact that they could appeal to the board and potentially get a hardship reduction in HOA payments, you could imagine a large group of homeowners banding together to request (and then vote in favor of) these hardship reductions.On what grounds could the board consider your particular situation (your short sale house) without considering every other request they get from a homeowner who claims to be in financial straits?