If I needed to build some reserves up, I would use CD's, bonds, or anything that would not cause a penalty in a few years.Don

Lord knows there are tons and tons of already-built developments in the areas you mention, many on sale, so would have to be something really special to attract investors, and even then you're better off approaching Europeans.RE Russia, it is a good time to buy given the strengthening USD and how far the Ruble has crashed (mostly due to oil & commodity prices + the political issues around sanctions and Ukraine).

Terry, redemption rights usually require owners to post bonds to keep the rights to redeem, that's known before a sale, but each state is different.

Here in California you can check the status, see if someone has a bond, and workmans comp. 

Seller financing takes in lease-options, sub-to, contract for deeds or land contracts, in LA they are called Bond for Deed and structured by state law with different termination requirements, in Texas, contract for deeds are not legal.I've never seen any RE author even use the words "prudent lending practices" much less know what they are.

Contractors certainly have license and bonding requirements, but as long as people will hire a guy with a truck and a few tools there will be issues.Saying contractors must come in on a bid job where an investor needs to be to make money is amusing, rather ignorant and entirely a selfish attitude.

It has an abrasive bonded into it, so will scratch if used on other surfaces.

We should strengthen our local network improve our buyers/sellers list and make referrals to each other like electricians, plumbers, construction guys, etc.

The opposite is true for a strengthening against the US dollar.

I like to think, for most of us, our word is our bond.