Keeping this money on the sidelines as an austerity measure furthers the decrease in demand because there is even less money going towards buying buildings.In summary, the self-reinforcing patterns of behavior of investors, lenders and consumers decrease short term demand, which drives down asset prices.

Since then I've been in a holding pattern, not because I won't or can't do a deal, but because I can't find anything that makes sense for my investment criteria.In my opinion, this shutdown is going to have a major negative effect on our economy that will take time to infiltrate the real estate market. 

I know a turn key investment company in the Carolinas that would be able to help identify some deals if you’re looking at that area.

Now is the time to identify likely properties, not the time to make offers.

I was able to identify two medium sized banks willing to make commercial loans.

That may not be appropriate as there was obvious quid pro quo (value-for-value) in your fact pattern. 

If someone has a pattern of arrests, that's much more impactful to me as they could go to jail again and no rent will come in. 

I spent a couple years bumping around the debt business, and there are highly predictable patterns in who people will stiff on bills, and in what order, when things go sideways. 

If you need help identifying in KC please let me know.

Negotiation 101, identify what your opponent believes if your weakness (i.e Strength, Knowledge, Funds), bait and then take complete advantage of it!