While I earn almost nothing on this cushion, it has allowed me the luxury of not having to make forced desperate decisions when the unexpected happened, as well as providing the all important "staying power" during economic crisis.

If I had a tenant who's husband was in a horrible accident and she had no other income and little kids and no where to go, would I be able to evict her?

Not that I want to air my issues on the web, but I think some of you could probably understand how I am feeling right now.I was in a car accident back in December.

After reading about it and talking to others about it something unexpected comes up.  

Was there prescreening sifting people out (by accident or design)?

I hope there was no accidents there today because the homeowner was just trying to get something done.

Once the loan is approved conditional only to the repair, we will be comfortable paying for the work ourselves knowing that everything else is good with the loan.We also asked for a $5000 concession off the price for all the unexpected structural and plumbing repairs that need to be made.  

You will find lenders in the most unexpected places.

I'd hate to get caught on the wrong end of an unexpected five-figure bill if I can help it.

However, we did have two unexpected vacancies in November and managed to fill them with tenants on a 6-month and 18-month lease.