There are several big apartment complexes in the area as well as numerous single and multi family units. 

Underwriting of loans became so laxed that numerous properties had shaky ownership.  

The advantage there is that it can be spread over numerous properties which give you more diversification then just trying to put it in a single property.  

I've learned SO much from this site and met numerous local investors who I now consider great friends. 

Consult with your attorney but at the end of the day, if you want the person out bad enough, you can come up with numerous ways to accomplish this goal.

If it did, despite the square footage discrepency, then the seller has every right to keep your EM.As several others have noted, there are numerous ways to calculate square footage. 

Key elements of the proposed group/meet-up:- ALWAYS free. 

Obviously, I see the value in buying the cheaper house first for numerous reasons, including that's what the VA wants us to do. 

The best way to combine all of these elements into a single analysis IMO is to learn how to project financials to compute IRR (you can do some online research on this).Final bit of advice is that because there are so many different ways to tailor your strategy to make a great profit in REI in just about any market, but many of those strategies are severely restricted for a newbie to learn and effectively apply when investing at a distance, it is better IMO to start your journey investing hands on in your local market.

Numerous states and cities in America have gone bankrupt, and this will continue as they are unable to fund promises made prior to 2008.