I only consider licensed contractors but have found that most reasonably-priced contractors are not bonded or insured. 

The reason for the lengthy time is he has given me the impression he relies on this income to sustain he and his wife.

Put down over 40% and cashed bonds to get the home up graded How did you add value to the deal?

The negotiation process was lengthy, taking almost a year, but our persistence and strategic approach ensured we secured the property for $294,500, setting the stage for a highly profitable transaction.

The closes I could come to answering this question was "30 Year US Treasure Bonds".1) Low risk2) Decent return (Currently)3) Nobody involved besides me and the best economy in the world (The US).4) And no work other than monitoring the economic climate sporadically.Now, the bigger question is "How to get to $10m in liquidity?"

Sorry if this was too lengthy!

Next year, Mike, it's going to be a trove of found Nazi art or bearer bonds.

On average the payout is 4% or so over the life of the policy.  4% sounds pretty good when compared to bonds, and it is basically a guaranteed dividend, so long as the company backing it remains solvent. 

Many companies will do notes or bonds that are unsecured debt against company as they don’t want to pin it to every asset which is not uncommon - but when they take on additional debt that is secured and/or start to incur massive losses that’s when it gets hairy.

Matt,You can reinvest into any "Income producing" asset/investment - Stocks, Bonds, Real estate etc.