In their denial letter, the SBA stated that the business activity of the investment group is not eligible, that EIDL assistance is available only to a small business engaged in an eligible business activity, and that business activity here means the nature of the business conducted by the applicant.We are a privately held real estate investment firm. 

When I was in my 20's (sounds like an old person) I spent my money on cars, motorcycles, bicycles, hobbies, things of that nature, and didn't care about investing.

It does not reflect the taxable nature of that distribution (generally).

Prudence is one of the 4 natural virtues, according to Aristotle.

Of course, I would make sure it fits in architecturally and looks like a natural continuation of my house.

You'll naturally get more up to speed as you move here and get to know the area better.

But remember I am an engineer and engineers are not typically risk takers by nature; we like hard data.Question #2 is to those of you experienced investors.

Please clarify "utilities", are you talking about water/sewer, electric, natural gas, oil, garbage/recycling, other?

It was natural for me -I started looking to buy property in college.  

These are listed for incredibly low prices, so I naturally raised an eyebrow at it not being sure if there was a catch or not.