This has been a valuable board and it has allowed me to look objectively at the situation.

Greg, The trouble with those who say money is no object and they want to learn is that most think that if they throw a lot of money at a problem that will solve it.

First off you need to explain to them that in a buy and hold scenario, cash flow is the main objective  and regardless if the asset goes up or down in value, the cash flow is there.

Objectively speaking, IF the FHA is beginning to tighten standards, won't the greater part of your buyer base be undercut from loan viability?

Even on first glance this is obvious.So I'm spreading the net further, not so much that I'm considering an "out of towner" strategy (valid though that may be), but enough that I need to identify a set of solid objective criteria to help me to determine which neighborhood(s) on which to focus.

You're the only one who can value your cash on hand, in light of opportunities, your abilities, your laonability, it's objective not something you can actually put a rate on (except as to missed opportunities) as by the time you arrive at a number, it will likely change.....

Cash deals, make sure to go through the title properly before closing and raise any objection needed.

You weigh it against other investment opportunities, amount of risk that you're comfortable with, inflation, and your own objectives (near-term cash flow?

Block out all other shiny objects, put your head down and plow in.

Write down what your goals and objectives are for this year.