.; plumbers, electricians, etc.) have been very hard to find  (probably because the economy was so hot that anyone who could swing a hammer had more business than they could handle--and demand for GC's/tradespeople completely outpaced supply).I've heard a few people mention that now that the economy is slowing, GC's and tradespeople have less business, and are therefore becoming easier to find, and that labor costs are coming down...is this true? 

I generally bring rents up 3% a year as well when resigning the lease, (that way I don't have a big jump after someone has been there 10 years), and it would be easier to do so next year if I don't hammer them now.

The reason for hammering this home is the way a 1-4 unit building (residential) is valued is completely different than a 5+ (commercial) building.

If you try and renegotiate or kick them out after closing, you'll get hammered in housing court.I'd walk away.

I'd say no, too.However, if you DO go through with it, before you pool that money together, hammer out everything in writing beforehand.

However, I just did one as a flip because I wanted to swing a hammer and I made $60,000 on the deal.

We are investors who have been doing our own rehab--- yet I see on BP so often that swinging the hammer is the least profitable part of real estate.

There are still hammers to swing and paintbrushes to wield, but I am starting to look ahead at getting it rented out.There is a light industrial plant (food and ingredients) that is very close to the house... their property line is about 8 houses away from mine, and the house front door is about a quarter-mile walk from the front door of the plant.Even better, the company just expanded the plant with a second building, and have billboards up around town saying "We're hiring!" 

There are a ton of things to consider when going through the condo conversion process,  but it is worth it in the end as long as you don't cut corners and get hammered with inspections.  

Instead of hammering away at this CFD stuff, look to a straight note and deed of trust or a Sub-To transaction, instead.