One mistake can hurt.

But that was a mistake, as we all know, because then the real lessons of "self sustainability" wouldn't be learned by the student if I were doing the "emotional" work for them.

Just like people with other financial problems that keep making the same mistakes, how will these buyers be prevented from making the same mistake again?

If/When it will pop is anyones guess, but make no mistake values are out of whack and will try to correct themselves...

I saw people 5 years ago make the same mistake. 

I will say 2015 to present was a great time to make a mistake like this as we have seen appreciation which thankfully has acted as cover up to our blemish (if we are able to sell it in the spring without a big dip in the market).All that being said, a flood policy can eat all gains. 

a landscaper I hired only showed up with half the sod (I had given him the money for all the sod - mistake #1) and was dragging on and on with the work. 

Most likely you'll pay through your mistakes, which are guaranteed you'll make, but that's how you learn best - unfortunately, that will translate into extra time, extra effort and extra money.

Well, that was a big mistake because somehow the friend quickly moved his girlfriend in WITH her two children!

This is because you have the economic luxury of making a mistake and learning on the job.