Chicago, which just suffered three levels of bond-downgrading, looks to be next.Robert Kuttner Co-founder and co-editor, 'The American Prospec

I am considering adding "no boyfriend/Girlfriend" unless bound by strong bond circumstances such as "baby on the way and planning for an upcoming wedding" etc to my list of do not rent factors.

I'd like to cut my teeth with a mentor, like almost anyone would.

However, if you are looking to getting into development, you are going to have to cut your teeth eventually.  

We haven't cut any deals yet and collectively we're newbies but i now share a bond with him that's worth more than any Flip i'll ever make. . . 

You can be bonded for the work.  

Hi Tom:A quick chime in on other costs: seasonal pest control, landscaping, Marketing/Incentives, contingency % for the "Oops factor", termite bond, buy out or early cancelation fees on any service agreements.

I have modeled out the cash flows / total return  and using very conservative assumptions, if you take into account the amortization, you will generate a high single digit, tax free return initially (perhaps much greater as rents/ property values increase - over time) ... this to me is a much more appealing place for a portion of my money than stocks or bonds at this point. - Any thoughts you may have would be appreciated ...Also does anyone have thoughts on adjacent markets in the area - or across the country that have better returns? 

She says its been bonded for 30 years now.

That is a good thing, because as people get older, they tend to move money towards interest bearing liquid assets such as bonds and bank accounts.