Most times, shrinkage cracks of this nature are not a big deal, but should be monitored to ensure the cracks aren't getting wider.

It's only natural. 

This changes the nature of the investment from trade or business (simply buying and selling) to a passive rental property.  

I think it's perfectly natural!

I went to the police department and they said this appears to be more civil than criminal in nature.  

I'm very eager but naturally cautious so this should be an interesting journey.

Relationship first, Business will come naturally.

I suppose that it is only human nature to be optimistic that the party will always continue, but the long term play is definitely to invest for income asap and then when the hard times come or the market turns you will be able to continue to keep paying your bills.

The same ideas which supported those sales being seen as securities included marketing the investment for income production and cost-free nature of ownership due to the rental pools.  

With Mack however they own so many properties that when there are vacancies you are in direct competition with them for renters, so my guess is that the best qualified renters, and efforts go naturally to there own properties, That is why there are such long vacancy times for the rest of us.