@Caleb Heimsoth I believe those fees are write-offs and aren’t they less expensive, time consuming, and stressful than losing my house or other properties from a lawsuit?

I realize REI in itself can be very time consuming, but once my portfolio is established I hope it will allow me to focus on other things.

Even here in Maryland, in some counties its no big deal at all like Montgomery county, then you go to Baltimore, 30 minutes away and its a huge deal.You simply need to be aware of the risks involved in certain locations and either accept those risks, mitigate those risks, or opt to not take on that risk. 

In the lending world, there are generally two types of loans, commercial or consumer.

It is detailed and time consuming and pointless if you don't follow the rules.

Are there any good reasons to NOT take this approach and opt for a hard money lender instead? 

Consumers are reportedly becoming more specific in their Google searches, and mobile users are more empowered to be more detailed by using tools like Siri.

We are getting close, just finished a renovation on our house too, so all of that is causing us to just save dollars and pay off consumer debt instead of just buying now. 

It is detailed and time consuming and pointless if you don't follow the rules.Also, most banks won't lend money to an LLC.

-- I opt for the latter but that could cost thousands more so I am curious what others think..Example 2 (opposite scenario): I have a Chicago landlord who removed the building's main boiler and installed separate HVAC systems in each apartment so the renter controls and pays for heat and a/c him/herself (must have cost the owner at least $25,000 to do all this).