I'll bet you don't even know you're doing it at this point.

Year End Business Tax Strategy #3: You bet your assets.

I have a rather large tree in Mesa AZ that I think is dead and it needs cut down or at least trimmed so it's safe from falling.

I bet there are good reasons TREC has promulgated leases for up to 90-days... 

People were able to visit a place only 2 hours away from LA that was outdoors & safe.

I think it's pretty clear from your post that you are passionate about getting in the real estate investing space, but that you haven't done enough due diligence to warrant a purchase yet to be safe with your money.

I think your best bet would be to talk to property managers that can offer the boots on ground perspective of their market.

This is just the way business is done.Now it sounds like you got a bad one for sure, I'm not defending him, but I'd bet your Scope Of Work and Contract would not pass scrutiny.

Your best bet is to wait until bank forecloses and buy it from them.

.$120 below market x 4 units x 12 months = $5,760 per yearIn two years, that's enough to add a roof, replace all the water heaters, replace a furnace or two, etc.I bet I'm being conservative.