I will reach out to you as soon as I get solid dates for my trip and hopefully meet up with some of you while in Florida. 

 $500 or $1000 might save you ten trips to the landfill, and some drywall repairs.

I have been meaning to jump on the forum , but it's easier to listen to podcasts and drive than it is to type and drive :)As expected, my first trip onto the forum has lead to an overwhelming volume of information, hopefully I can sort through it as I go.

Eventually, they all got sick of the monthly trip that would take them an entire day back and forth, not to mention managing repairs etc.  

Notes that fit into any of these categories are not securities.o A note delivered in consumer financing. o A note secured by a mortgage on a home. o A note secured by a lien on a small business or some of its assets. o A note relating to a “character” loan to a bank customer. o A note which formalizes an open-account indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business. o Short-term notes secured by an assignment of accounts receivables. o Notes given in connection with loans by a commercial bank to a business for current operations.Disclaimer: It has not been proven, if in fact, a private money loan is or is not a security as there is a lot of dissention on the subject.

I also try to make my choices based on the style and character of the house and neighborhood, which might not be possible if I were locked in to a "trademark".  

Primarily, a sealed envelope of building, 2 years of roof, health & safety items like adequate heating, venting, no visible discoloration (mold), egress from each bedroom, termites, peeling lead paint, drainage issues, secured railings, and as miniscule as trip hazards if they are having a bad day.

But you are becoming very astute in your character assessments & that's admirable & will be invaluable.All the best you deserve it.

Plan on a trip and an in-person visit before signing any purchase agreements.

I always have in the back of my mind the Michael Keaton character from Pacific Heights.