Hi Mike,I tried to rack my brain on this some more.  

I also think it would be pretty nerve-racking to take that money with that guaranteed return and gamble it on the uncertain.

That amount can rack up to a large number pretty quickly.

Minor stuff, maybe a rack of free weights, a benchpress, and a treadmill with a few full body mirrors and maybe a small TV.  

The issue is I've spent so much money paying back what I owed to acquire these homes that I have racked up other personal expenses, now totaling $33,000 worth of debt if I don't count my car payment for $400 a month (total owed $17,000).

The building is concrete block and previous owners built on the side of it another "Wooden frame" store front which is "attached".Each unit is being rented out under market value, and decent condition.The property does not have a CO (calling town this week) but is in working condition and fully rented out. which is strange?

. :)   I know the idea of decking over probably sounds like a hack and that it would look terrible, but I was inspired by the old craftsman style wooden front porches when I decided how to finish it out and used it as an opportunity to add a little personality to the front of the house. 

Hi Michael,Come join us at the bigger pockets meetup this Wednesday night in rocky hill at the wooden tap, starts at 7 pm with introductions at 7:30.

thanks for your time in answering this.. iam racking my brain with this short sale. its my first house and it been a 2 1/2 month deal already..

I realize it can be nerve racking to jump in.