I'll be sure to keep some extra cash on hand to cover extended expenses especially during these uncertain times where it could take even longer than usual to process. 

About your situation, it's a bit unusual but not completely out of the ordinary.

Our thought also is if one market has an unusual shift for some reason, all of our eggs are not in that basket.

Advice #2 you want an agent who is in it for your best interest, who would say, yeah in this uncertain economy, I think It might be best for you to sell and then let me make the decision.

Just be more cautious and demand better deals in this volatile and uncertain market.

But since the wholesaling income will be very sporadic and uncertain especially in the beginning, I think it will be very beneficial if you have something steady as well.And since you are interested in real estate, get a full-time job in commercial real estate!

In the construction industry it is not unusual to write a contract with a penalty for failing to complete the project by a certain date.

appreciation still seems very uncertain. 

Again, not unusual for properties to be bought and sold "as-is", especially wholesale deals.

It's not unusual for properties that were recently rehabbed to have a lot of maintenance right out of the gates.