In their denial letter, the SBA stated that the business activity of the investment group is not eligible, that EIDL assistance is available only to a small business engaged in an eligible business activity, and that business activity here means the nature of the business conducted by the applicant.We are a privately held real estate investment firm. 

This would supplement my W2 income and provide financial freedom for myself, my wife, and our unborn children.

When I was in my 20's (sounds like an old person) I spent my money on cars, motorcycles, bicycles, hobbies, things of that nature, and didn't care about investing.

It does not reflect the taxable nature of that distribution (generally).

Prudence is one of the 4 natural virtues, according to Aristotle.

Of course, I would make sure it fits in architecturally and looks like a natural continuation of my house.

You'll naturally get more up to speed as you move here and get to know the area better.

But remember I am an engineer and engineers are not typically risk takers by nature; we like hard data.Question #2 is to those of you experienced investors.

Then you take the personal knowledge and supplement it here, with questions, and with books that focus on the things you might like to focus on.

Please clarify "utilities", are you talking about water/sewer, electric, natural gas, oil, garbage/recycling, other?