I handle all types of escrows statewide, let me know if I can be of any assistance. :)

It's always nice to see another islander starting out in REI this is a great place to start I advise reading as much as you can on the type of investing you want to be doing when you get the chance also listen to the podcasts their great tools you can use on here as well.

@James Carpenter what type of deals are you looking for?

There are obvious pros and cons to both ways, personally I prefer the per plow type but for budgeting going with a monthly charge might be better.

@Dan Rudolph I may not know enough but a market requires 2 sides unless there is a market maker (i.e. someone buying and selling for liquidity reasons and not investment) so if there is no activity the market is not worth much and probably cost them a lot of money @Kevin Moen  it matters because the price and value to a buyer of a note should reflect some type of pricing for liquidity.

Try running some numbers and figuring what type of return on investment you would earn, and then show them.  

Using your own cash, over and over, is excellent.Here are some different types of "Cash" or cash-like substances you can use, and how I would rate them and why:1 - Cash - Use it, and it can be one of the best ways to invest.  

Looks like most tenants are on some type of gov. assistance so I am thinking it may be hard to make them vacate also?

What type of work are you looking for?

You will learn so much about business, capitalism, taxation, what is wrong with our country, meet many different types of people, your own flaws and strengths and the list goes on!