So if your building has less than 12 occupants, say, you might have a defensible case that this is conforming to 4-plex guidelines.I've seen a bunch of converted buildings that are operating as 5-plexes, but are legally 4-plexes.  

RE probably won't qualify as tools of a trade to be exempt from judgments.Quality of properties and management is the first defense, insurance is second, third comes any benefit, if any, by the business structure, after that you could be all alone. :)

stories there but I tend to avoid those for the most part.Running communities is hard in their defense but I agree it needs some work and the larger it gets the harder it is. 

Even a $10K - $20K deferred tax that you keep to use to compound your portfolio and cash flow growth will result in real money by the end of your investing career.  

Once in a while I get one of those calls but I am not defensive and in my first attempt to answer I gave complete scripts on how to convert even these calls.

On paper we probably have one of the best defenses in the nation.

It lowers the defenses and brings out the truth ... such as you seek ... is the seller really motivated.

But I have two "clients" here in Santa Barbara that own large family compounds for whom I manage rehabs and special projects/purchases.

"We are troubled by the significant drop in owner occupant purchases of REO properties in these hard hit markets, which is no doubt compounded by decreased access to credit and a failure to repair foreclosed properties to move-in condition," said Kevin Stein of California Reinvestment Coalition.

The defendant in that action shall be entitled to attorney's fees and all costs incurred in the defense against the action, provided the defendant is the prevailing party.