MLS right now is like grocery shopping for properties.

It's not easy to become a hard money lender in the USA either.Are you looking to lend to Americans or only those in Canada?

Here's a response to the article from American Housing Advocates:http://www.americanhousingadvocates.com/blog/2014/3/14/american-housing-advocates-respond-to-ny-times-articleThe article appears to be a public awareness piece.

here is part of the proposal:STORE SIZE & LOCATION:The demised premises will consist of approximately 2,000 square feet.Said premises to be located in the Shopping Center as shown on the attached site plan.LEASE COMMENCEMENT:Upon mutual lease execution and Landlord’s delivery of the demised premises.TERM:The Term of the lease shall consist of a period of ten (10) years commencing one hundred twenty (120) days from the date Landlord notifies Tenant that the premises are ready for possession or upon opening for business, whichever date shall first occur.RENTAL: Tenant shall pay Rental during the first year of the primary lease term an amount equal to $31.00 per square foot on a triple net basis.Tenant’s annual rent shall escalate at the rate of three percent (3%) per year.Said Rental will be payable in equal monthly installments.OPTION TO RENEW:Tenant shall have one (1) five (5) year option to renew this lease.The Rental in the first year of the option period will be three percent (3%) greater than the rent in year ten (10) of the primary lease term.Annual Rental shall escalate at the rate of three percent (3%) per year.PROPOSED USE:A first-class frozen soft-serve yogurt operation similar to other Frozen Yogurt locations and for no other purpose (to be further defined in lease).ADDITIONAL CHARGES:REAL ESTATE TAXES:Tenant shall be required to pay its pro rata share of real estate taxes and assessments on the land and improvements on the shopping center site, estimated to be $1.25 psf.INSURANCE:Tenant shall be required to pay for its pro rata share of fire and extended coverage insurance on the building, estimated to be $0.29psf.COMMON AREA MAINTENANCE:Tenant shall be required to pay for it’s pro rata share of Common Area Maintenance costs, estimated to be $2.44 psf.LIABILITY INSURANCE: Tenant shall provide liability insurance in keeping with the requirements of the Landlord and/or Landlord's mortgagee.STORE FINISHES:Landlord will deliver the demised premises to the Tenant with RTU’s in good and working order but otherwise in “As-Is” condition.All improvements will be at Tenant’s sole cost and expense.SIGNAGE:Tenant may use its logo and colors for said Signage on the fascia of the said premises as long as it is subject to the Landlord’s sign criteria and governmental agencies governing the project.SECURITY DEPOSIT:A Security Deposit equal to $2,500 is due upon execution of this Letter of Intent.

I'm sure hurricane potential plays into this too.I would shop this around.

Repairs and other vehicle maintenance belong in a repair shop.

Small plumbing shop may charge you a bit less. 1 thousand?

I have nothing on the African, Australian and South American continents.As for owning in all 50 states, the wife and I plan on getting an RV in the next 3-5 years and traveling all over the US.

My wife on the other hand shops for CDs.

And then look at things you can really downgrade like Cars, Cell phones, Eating out, Living arrangement, Cable/satellite TV, and shopping just to name a few.