Also, the 15 year mortgage idea would eat up all of my cash flow and while that will pay down the loan quickly, I prefer the cash flow at this stage.

“Creativity” might only really come out in layout changes, tile design, and staging. 

I have seen the early retirement crowd latch on to the 4% rule, but it ignores a different reality of their stage of life.

Then when he or she is done, hand the person your business card and concurrently ask for theirs.Bingo, you now have a new "Business friend" Stage-1 (you have just networked).Then when you get home send them an email saying "Hello" and that way they have your email and you now have a Stage-2 "Business Friend".Pop them an email every few weeks or so and say hello and you now have a stage-3 "business friend".Then when you see them again at another networking event, "Say hello and ask them if they have been up to anything new".

California is just not doable at this stage.

I actually might be in the beginning stages now of one.  

I gave in to reducing rents, offering free rent incentives, staging a model unit, and putting in an onsite laundromat....all based on their feedback.What I expect in return is to manage our expenses like it was their own money. 

I'm developing a business plan for this retirement community and would like to put a value on the project at the various stages to show potential investors (and myself!) 

The only people who buy in recessions are the people who have been buying in every stage of the cycle.

Out here in WA it’s an utter disaster.