:)I still believe 50% is likely a high estimate, and that somewhere in 45% range is probably more accurate (given empirical data I have and some basic expense rules I've encountered).

The stay strong with their 'buy american' stickers while they work on the assembly line where most parts are shipped in from other countries to be assemble here.So in actuality we should say 'Assembled' in America.

Art,What I meant by that was we have encountered many situations where homeowners are constantly changing their minds throughout the renovation or building process.  

This has been interesting reading.To the people who are taking signatures using a tablet PC - have you ever encountered anyone who demanded a piece of paper to sign instead?

What were some problems you might have encountered?

We're also fairly new to the area and were wondering about the requirements for landlords to have their units lead-free - and how much would a de-leading cost (we've encountered a couple of properties on the market that were not de-leaded).

that sounds like a bumper sticker

Goes down like giant stickers. 

Some will encounter some difficulty in life (auto accident for example) and be unable to make it.

The simplest answer to avoiding encounters with the SEC (or some state agency), other than the really obvious ones of not putting a blatant ad in the paper, is to be sure your investors make money.