Juries are notoriously unreliable.  

Stepping out of place as a lender can send you to prison in extreme operations but at the least you can lose your note, collateral and money (usually you'll have a fine as well). 

here's the story....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071211/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_vick_sentencing_28

What a lowlife scumbag! I had hoped for the maximum of 5 years, but I guess two will do. I hope he gets a taste of his ...

If the investigation turns anything else up, I hope he's prosecuted and spends a few years getting intimately acquainted with the inmates in his friendly neighborhood state prison.

The risk is very high.The county department of building is notorious in delaying the building permit, meaning that it's quite possible I can't even start the work for the first month or two, waiting for the permit to be issued, (no electricity in the house yet).Anything else unexpected which causes money will impose more risk on the weak financing.My question is: Should I pursue this flip?

Investing means using YOUR money, not a partner's or investor's money, get qualified legal advice before you get involved, fines can be $100,000 and/or 10 years in a federal prison!

Lenders are notorious for canceling loans at the last minute for reasons like "We didn't know this was a tax sale property" You may be able to do this with a hard money loan or private lender if you want to do it as an investment property.

Did a single banker or financial executive go to prison?

Never.Felony charges may result in prison time for these owners. 

Good example is although Roseland has a notorious reputation, it's also home to a large amount of middle-class, college educated black people who take pride in ownership - and these areas have low crime rates.