Its real encouraging.

@John Weidner Thanks to everyone here on BP and at the Chicago Real Estate Investors Meetup for the encouragement and advice.

It takes us 30 days just to get the dig out and foundation in.. best case scenario is 120 to 150 days start to finish and that's after foundation has been stripped and ready to go vertical.There was a day we could build a pretty nice home for 70 bucks a foot not including lot. but that is long gone... we are at 75 to 85 now... with custom at 120 to 150... our big issue is permits.. we can have 35 to 45k just for city permits.

I have worked with many short sale customers with the values from the bank sometimes fair, sometimes "deals" and sometimes high.

That "discount" can provide incentive and encourage them to actually take your repair offer.#2-  If you'll be living in one of the units, then ask yourself where you want to live.

I have read every single probate and direct mailing post by @Sharon Vornholt and continue to do so for encouragement, motivation, and knowledge on her blog Louisville Gals Real Estate Blog.

I currently sell new construction in Hburg as my "day job" and over the last 2 years have helped someone do wholesale deals locally(marketing, customer service stuff).

Surprisingly we had a friend who is a home builder walk it with us and he said it was in amazing shape for being empty 4 years and encouraged us to make a move from his perspective.  

We had a customer break his lease 6 months early.

Thanks to all of you for your help and encouragement.