I'm not near Washington, but the answers to these questions might draw some others out of the woodwork who can help you...- What is the scope of the work?

If you cannot make it to REIA meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 2013I see more value in this Reia meeting -> Saturday , June 1, 2013 8 hours for $20 ( advance fee )$20 divide by 7 hours equals $2.86 per hour ( 1 hour for lunch )Hopefully it’s not a sale a-thon www.milwaukeereia.com/Default.aspx?

You have to draw the line in the sand and not allow yourself to cross to their side.

There's always a chance the deal won't close, and you'll be the one who's out the most cash/effort if that's the case.If you really want to get started, I imagine you probably have at least a month or two of getting drawings, engineering, surveys, getting take-offs/bids, starting the permit process, etc.

Major events draw lots of people as well.  

Also when I learned a few years ago that commercial buildings are valued off the NOI that was a major draw for the process engineer in me lol, I knew I would have to work my way into that asset class eventually.

This is done by taking your net operating income (NOI) and dividing it by the local cap rate. 

I'm saying that when you pay yourself from your business accounts (Owners Draw) that should go to a personal banking account.  

What are the draws and inspections requirements like, if there are any? 

How you divide your money between REI and 401k is up to you.401k Employer matches are great because it's an instant, risk free 100% return on your money.