Does anyone know a good bank/service who will give a basic line of credit without having to go through putting a mortgage on the house?

Basically, you greatly diminish your exit strategies when buying in a floodplain. 

Basic are we purchased two tracts of land vitally located in middle of a large commercial development for $2.5 million.

I’ve heard the sweet spot is when about 30% of a street has turned - basically enough to reduce a lot of the crime but still with enough time to appreciate significantly.

I agree with your last point rents have basically peaked.. so other than the eviction rules.. the raising of the rents is moot in my mind.unless you were asleep at the switch last 5 years and did not move your rents to market.  

It was basically an IOU for 20K between buyer and seller. 

That's basically a reservation no more than 2 days in advance before occupancy.  

Basically if it's called a deposit, it must be refundable. 

Did a good job teaching the basics on a macro overview but then also diving in deep into specifics.

Basically in order to raise money without the same requirements as a public company you need to follow some rules about who you can invite into deals.