My father-in-law has invested in Orlando condos (currently at 8) to fund his retirement but rather than following blindly in his footsteps I wanted to educate myself before making my first investment. 

Seconding Logan's idea.

It was not a large balance and in second position, anyway, but it was frustrating as they were told they couldn't recover. 

Now I know what I'm negotiating on with the banks/credit unions I have lined up.One note of interest to me: I called Capital One and they have a recourse loan that doesn't require any cash reserves, I even asked the question a second time to make sure I heard that correctly.

So, if that and the precanceled stamps used are good enough to have a post office official take a second look I think I'm doing pretty good. 

I would think they want my money, the walk-throughs went fine and they seemed interested at the time...I always like getting a second number so I don't want to jump right for the only one who gave me answer.Any thoughts are welcomed.

My best friend and his father have owned a local kitchen and bath remodeling business for 40 years and I have been able to purchase all my kitchens and baths at significant discounts (read at cost).

I grew up in the construction industry (father owned a construction company, and brother is still operating this company today).

Assuming it doesn't conflict with your main job, having a second job like this is another way to increase your income.

I was hoping to get a second property a room addition, also.