I had already sent a certified mail with return receipt which she is avoiding.

And last but not least, I would absolutely and totally avoid HOA-based properties.

It's technically avoidant of advertising or self-promotion, but it always is blatant self-promotion opportunity.

There are a lot of properties with illegal/grey aspects to them.

Quote from @Travis Smith: Age 56 and retiring from farming and I’ve been very good at avoiding income taxes with depreciation and business expenses.  

Now that’s he’s saved you $3,000 and told you how to avoid it happening in the future.

There is also the emotional aspect that makes us want to avoid certain things, like townies walking through just because they are nosey.

The most important step to avoid a catastrophe is to create a detailed contract with your contractor.

Henry on the Teak wood and lumber aspect.. what is the growing cycle for the hardwoods to become merch ? 

My immediate goal is to acquire our first property and spend the next two years mastering the basics of real estate investment. ( Refining the Go and No property search criteria/ Learning the value of taxes and avoiding them as much as possible/ 1031 exchanges) Depending on my wife’s career orders, we may remain in Baltimore for 1-2 years, but I’m also exploring opportunities in West Texas, Sierra Vista, AZ, and Houston, TX.