Well, a few comments, not a book this time.Risks can come in various masks, borrower takes bankruptcy, the sale was flawed or originated improperly which can be missed, court tosses it out or does a cram down, reducing principal and the court may bar any deficiency.

The buyer should send over an addendum as well as the appraisal to the seller and ask them to reduce the price to $309k

The subject of notes also bounces around, you can say the real basic aspect in a couple paragraphs, then explain different types of notes, how interest is applied, how principal is reduced, how those can be changed and the effects of additional payments, how to figure per diem interest, how liens are properly perfected, collateral and lender or note holder's rights, borrower's rights, ...... and after 21,000 words, still not mentioning buying notes as to due diligence as that ties into all that has been written, nor have I reached buying in whole or slicing notes up, or paths as to exit options and the determinations that might be considered.

I have had to reduce our 401(k) and contributions to the 529 plan for the kids to make up this difference.

my rule of thumb is if the street has a center yellow line on it than I tend to look the other way unless it is an IMPOSSIBLY great deal to pass up. maybe busy streets dont have lines in your area, but point is that it is very hard to decide how much a major street effects the property. just because an appraiser or the county gives it a 10% reduction in value doesnt mean that you can reduce the price by 10% and assume that it will sell.

That's by-far the best piece of advice -- build a box.I'm certainly no expert, but here are some other things that I've learned about reducing new construction costs:- To reiterate from above, build a box -- reduces framing, siding and roof complexity/cost

With the world moving towards becoming more energy conscious and renovating homes for the future of our cities, does it make sense financially and logistically (time scales) to build more innovative homes with a focus on energy independence and less waste? 

One recommendation: focus your energy on executing the strategy you want to pursue.

We went through this January during an extended rehab.The Sulfate-reducing bacteria can survive in both your HW system & water softener due to lack of use.

It was really nice modern appliances, energy efficient, built in surround sound and a cozy fireplace, pretty much everything had been redone.