This is a great place to learn and to connect with people so take advantage of all the great resources.

After securing the deal, the buyer made my wife and I go through three-feet deep of snow to "winterize" the house so there wouldn't be any plumbing issues.It was a 2 hour drive there, and a 2 hour drive back.So much time and effort put into it for only $4k...

For example, I got a notice a dishwasher needed replacing with a price to do so.  

So, is this a sign of fewer people coming to Hilton Head or a broader reflection of the economy?

I'm going to run some details by you and I'd like all of you who feel you are qualified to advise me so I can learn how to properly analyze these deals and be more cognizant of potential pitfalls/mistakes:So, I found this property off market in a Chicago real estate investment group.

I ask as they depreciate over time, so even if stolen, you can't charge tenants the replacement price, only the depreciated value. 

The only responsibility of Your parents would be the monthly payment  so if you take out $100,000 they probably pay like $1000 a month but if you can only take what you need when you need it.

As the closing date approached, the seller’s frustration grew, and so did our anxiety.

She was truly viscous and threatening - so bad that several days later we got a notice to vacate within 3 days, citing dogs as the reason to vacate.

Hey @Alecia Loveless, its so interesting how important timing is for books.