Cash flow is the only metric worth looking to build wealth  Markets will go up, markets will go down, but if your cash flow is strong you can deal with any storm, while Bob goes bankrupt. 

Maybe coming from your lawyer will send a strong message. 

The Atlanta BP community is strong and we meet pretty regularly. 

I've worked in architecture and have done bird-dogging for several investors over the years, but haven't had the time to seriously focus on investing... until now!

Joe, who I get the impression does not have a strong grasp on financing, signed up for investor financing through ABC Properties (hard money, short-term type financing from the sounds of it.

I strongly dislike the continued pressure of HomeAway to be in control of property for which they have contributed nothing and want to position myself with data and system independent of them but one which is compatible with HomeAway and is inexpensive. 

See Uniform Capitalization Rules earlier.The costs you can choose to deduct or to capitalize include the following.Carrying charges, such as interest and taxes, that you pay to own property, except carrying charges that must be capitalized under the uniform capitalization rules;Research and experimentation costs;Intangible drilling and development costs for oil, gas, and geothermal wells;Exploration costs for new mineral deposits;Mining development costs for a new mineral deposit;Costs of establishing, maintaining, or increasing the circulation of a newspaper or other periodical; andCosts of removing architectural and transportation barriers to people with disabilities and the elderly.

Liar loans have basically been flushed through.It seems like only the strong will survive...

During that time I'll get my RE licence and begin raising funds for fix and flips / buy and holds by building a strong traditional wholesaling and wholesaling lease options business.Any advice, referrals,....words of encouragement?... 

I currently reside in Chicago, but have a strong interest in Northwest Indiana, as I think the demographics there are poised for growth.