I'm an hvac contractor and I lose a lot of jobs because somebody comes in cheaper or does a crappy job.  

It's unlikely I will "lose everything" ever, no matter how the market turns.  

We only got out of the first home what we put into it, but didn't lose any money and it sold quickly.

If you make an offer under asking you are starting the process all over (4-6 months), and the sellers may have a time limit before losing the property to foreclosure. 

I now stand to lose $4500 earnest money unless I can find another lender that looks at more than DTI and only documented income.

If this is a short sale, there is a good chance you will lose out on the property if you don't pay the closing costs. 

After thinking it over, think I'll probably pass on the property, @Christina Carey, you're right - it is just one bad tenant away from losing money.

These offerings, sometimes referred to as private placements, involve unique risks and you should be aware that you could lose your entire investment.The SEC recently adopted rules to permit general advertising for certain exempt offerings.

Ask yourself, if I lose one septic, how many homes are affected?  

We are fairly new to REI and are trying to learn more about the industry and the best ways of doing things without losing money.