In other words, don't jump over a quarter to pick up a dime. 

What I have learned so far through this process is that you can get nickle and dimed to death by the town/city after approval.

The fact is you may never see a dime of it for more reasons than you can imagine.

They would be operating their well established Heating and Air business out of the dwelling I have available and would be adding gravel to the parking level and fixing up the inside slightly on their dime in this deal. 

Pour every extra dime of my pay check into investing.

Every firm is different, but I would avoid any firm that would charge you because it seems like they would nickel and dime you too much.

While possible, it's not probable that you are going to be able to use a VA loan for an active foreclosure unless certain conditions are met. 1) that property better be in turnkey condition because neither the seller nor the servicer/lender are gonna put a dime into it. 2) VA is very stingy on allowable fees.

If you sue and win a judgment against your borrower, you might never recover a dime.

If the contractor is currently overpaid than you should not advance one single dime to him until he completes the work that was covered by the payments he has already received.

If you fail to vacate within 14 days, I will start the eviction process and I will come after you for every dime owed."