Hey Jason -As you realized, "marginal tax rate" just means the regular tax rate that people are typically subjected to.For 2009, here is what people will pay based on their level of income:http://www.taxfoundation.org/publications/show/151.htmlRemember, it's a marginal rate, so you pay on a sliding scale as your income increases (higher dollars are taxed more than lower dollars)...not a flat percentage.Everyone in this scenario (you and your parents) will be paying based on the marginal tax rates, not a flat percentage -- which would be the case if the flips were being taxed as a long-term capital gain.And the major tax benefit of the S-Corp election is that your parents only have to pay FICA on part of the income.As for what is "reasonable," my CPA suggests that if I were to take the equivalent of a realtor's commission on each transaction, I could reasonably claim that as my salary and the rest as a dividend.

That's somewhat funny, bank should cover it under FDIC as someone  fraudulently cashed the check.Normally banks don't let that slide unless its in a batch run of checks and no one noticed.

Midtown is being dominated by WSU, Detroit Medical Center, Cardinal Health, Henry Ford Hospital, and the Illitch's(Little Caesars, Red Wings, Tigers, and now Pistons).In each of these cases providing workers/residents mean spin-off business have appeared(gyms, coffee shops, bars) or established businesses have made major upgrades(some liquor stores don't have bulletproof glass in midtown, or the bowling alley adding a cafe and event space.All development is subsidized by tax breaks/credits in all cities.

I think some people bet on me not running the check or perhaps I'll let some things slide.. but regardless I always feel bad when someone spends their money on an application they know they aren't going to qualify for.

No income = no loan.If your income is new (i.e. been at a job 6 months but the income would be enough to qualify), then maybe you could try going to local banks and see if they'll let you slide by on the typical 2 year income requirement (i.e. averaging 2 years of income).Outside of that, I don't know of too many other ways you can pull an investment off.

A great deal and learning experience when combined with the slide presentations available for download.

Including Texas and CaliforniaLooks to me like we are at "Euphoria" sliding toward "Anxiety" - hang on for the ride

Sliding door rail flips up for a flat roll out exit.

Plus, since their monthly payment is so small I let things slide more than I should. 

The mortgage broker or lender will slide in a higher interest rate at the last minute.