You gotta know your strengths and weaknesses. 

....Perhaps your concern about economic growth is better termed as economic strength?

We decided that I would weld in 3" angle brackets that would span past the bad sections to restore its strength.

I think you are correct that the strength and ability of the investor will make all the difference if they are to get a loan like this.

I don't mind showing strength in the earnest money.

maybe.The bigger qualifier is the strength of the buyer.

I am very attracted to KW, but with the small presence in my market, it just would not fit with my personality since I rather spend my time on real estate activities as opposed to generating business.So definitely consider what your personal strengths and weaknesses are, how KW is positioned in your market, and decide whether or not going there will help your business...and whether or not it will make you happier in the way you need to operate your business.

I'd suggest figuring out your strengths and what you want to gain from RE investing and going from there.

From Southern California working in IT and would like to get my hands dirty trying to figure out what my strengths are (handyman,  structure deals, managing clients ... etc).  

Lets see what your strengths are and explore some possibilities.