It's been kind of chilly here (50's today I believe)....I actually moved from the LA area back in August!

I have all kinds of questions from how much can I raise rents on my current properties to how to get a 20% cash on cash return and successfully complete a 1031 exchange.

I have only heard that kind of earnest money if it is an REO...are you sure you are familiar with this in depth, this doesn't sound right....Also why would i sell a contract for $20?

Here's another point of view from an atty: "The only deferral is a like kind exchange.

What kind of organized system did you put in that she liked?

I think NAR lost a lot of respect during the bubble years when their "economist" was acting like a cheerleader more than an analyst.

There was a water line in the garage with a faucet, and i had no idea where the shut off was, It broke while i was at the home show in philly as i was promoting products that detect this kind of problem(ironic i know)..I got the alert on my phone..contacted my wife..she headed back to the house and sure enough..it was spewing out in the garage.

After rereading it after I talked with them I kind of had that same feeling that you appear to have which is the customer would probably have to sue them to try to get the money. 

You do have to watch those HOA fees, as they can get very high, particularly in the kind of properties that boast the amenities so popular in the short term rental market.

You also can concentrate on learning and meeting people until you turn 18.BTW as awesome as it is you are taking this kind of initiative at your age you ARE still just a kid.