I'm excited to hear about your progress. 

I will make a progress payment for material delivery.

Over time, it will lose its allure with progressive employers who use it as a tool to capture top end talent. 

It was "expensive" from a fees and points perspective, but since I was young and had very little cash on hand, the ability to put 3.5% down for both the purchase and rehab was critical to my eventual success.Also beneficial for a new real estate owner, as part of the 203k process you are required to use a HUD consultant to help verify contractor bids and make sure work is progressing.

In Jan I told them that I would take it as was on Feb 1 to put my boat and camper in in before the ice storms came in Feb and March, since no progress was made since Nov. 

We have learned and progress because it's new to everyone. 

Source of down payment funds, if applicable: Own FundsIncome Source: Salaried W2, Rental income from primary residenceGross monthly income (optional): Current $10,425 (Should be $13,475 at lease-up of my already developed lots which is in progress)Monthly debt obligations appearing on credit report, plus (if applicable) personal rent and alimony/child support/etc: $7,988FICO: Low score due to high utilization, but I have never missed a payment in my life.Credit issues: None.

Good work on the progress!

Yeah the more cash flow friendly areas won't see as much appreciation as the nicer areas but you can try and get into an area that is in the path of progress to get the best of both worlds.

A major problem with some investors is that they fall in love with a property which halts them from progressing forward.