@Edward Dones I know a great Realtor out in that neck of the woods if you are in need of some expertise and guidance.  

Just keep engaging in conversations and remember to set up your Keyword Alerts to keep you updated on things that are important to you or happen in your neck of the woods.

This is just alSadr pumping his muscle and speaking out.We'd likely have had similar protests here in the US, but with the advent of the internet, people just protest via forums and blogs instead of hitting the streets.50,000 people on the street is much more impressive than 50,000 people expressing their views via the pen.

It was a costly, time consuming, frustrating pain in the neck business that I would not recommend to anyone unless they have no other possible source of income.

@Charles Manuel,This probably won't help, but I saw this on a poster in a job recruiter's office once:Consider the tortoise who makes no progress until he sticks his neck out.Worth a try, maybe ...Also, fear is typically born of ignorance.

Another headspin that made my neck hurt. 

If you are looking for information about my neck of the woods, I'm happy to answer what I can and maybe connect you to folks in my face to face network here.

 Last year I was up to my neck in debt from medical bills so they started garnishing my check for 25% after taxes.

I have not been in your shoes where one applicant has enough financial muscle to back the mortgage and the other partner does not, but those two people will help if they can.

Same 400k for a shack in Tempe gets you 2000+ sq. ft. of new construction SFR in my neck of the woods lol.There are still pockets of Phoenix that can be had for flips at good prices, but you'll have to hustle hard to get off-market deals or get in touch with a good wholesaler (Easier said than done of course).