I know that when most folks ask for creative, magic bullets to undue the damage of past poor financial decisions they are not looking to hear that the solution includes living on "rice and beans" while you create a little bit of margin for yourself, but that's what it takes.

This area, surrounding Highland Blvd has a magical quality to it.

And it's not like all those problems magically stop happening as you get more seasoned.

The new agents brand new or a few years in believe all this crap will make them magically successful so they spend their last dime on it.

private money isn't magic - it needs to be paid back!

I've seen them work, but (as stated) they don't do any "magic" that you could not do on your own. 

And with that in mind, possibly trading rent for labor or some fair trade agreement for housing.5 is the magic number!

Another"What you can do, or dream you can do, begin it; boldness has genius, power and magic in it

Is it then a non-negotiable, magical-absolute that can protect you from every eventuality?

If I knew the answer to this question, I'd be a lot better off.Sadly there are many, many untrustworthy contractors. I live in the land of South Florida where the worlds most shady contractors congregate.In the past 5...