Governments in our Western democracies kow tow to the corporate world and get 'sold' the message that these entities, even when they prove breathtaking incompetence, somehow need saving - and then to add insult to injury, all at our cost.Agreed, this does offer a huge opportunity for those of us with the tools to operate in this market but for me, there is a bigger picture that can and will benefit humanity.

Hello,In north Minneapolis, where there are blocks and blocks of foreclosures, there have recently been a few non-profits that have formed, and also Habitat for Humanity is involved - they obtain funding through grants and relationships with banks, in order to buy up foreclosed (mostly REO's ) houses and apartments, so they can then sell to new families (which may also be some of the same old familes who were foreclosed on).

If you are labeled as a dealer it is also good from a tax standpoint to have the two separated.

Drug dealers and dangerous criminals roam the streets.

Not that I am not a believer in the altruistic nature of humans, but I am also a believer in the scheming nature of humans.I would guess that there is more to the story.

If you use the usual split of 80% of the price as improvements, and 27.5 year straightline depreciation, then your deduction is $872 a year, making your taxable incom $5,128.But your ability to deduct that each year depends on your AGI, your other real estate investments, whether or not your a "real estate professional" by the IRS definition, and whether or not the IRS classifies you as a dealer.

My plan is to buy and RENT/HOLD for as long as humanly possible to reap all the benefits of long term home ownership.

And don't bother messing with the Big Banks if you want a Commercial Loan, you need to build relationships at a Credit Union or Small Bank that treats you like a human and understands the value of real estate.commercial is a proverbial no brainer in the sprawling northern suburbs of Atlanta.

Spokane is expanding the role and staff of the Spokane Human Rights Commission.  

Same could be said for a 45 lb six year old human.