Russell...She shows up an hour late, doesn't even read the docket or evidence of the case, and dismisses it after a few minutes of all oral testimony - evidence, schmevidence, right?

Non-secured usually get like 10 cents on the dollar, secured usually get a lot more or all of it unless there is a cram down situation of being undervalued. 

Hollow cavities (like those that exist between a door jamb and the wall framing) that are damp are luxury condos for carpenter ants and they take-up residence.

How about providing them the information they are asking for, and in return asking them to fund most or all of a project.We have used a lot of private money and i would always have one private lender per project.

Do I run any risk of losing part or all of my investment?

You can go basic or all the way to pro level depending on your needs. 

If the seller agrees to pay them then I don't think asking for a discount is relevant.On the other hand if they weren't going to pay them then you would subtract some or all of them from the purchase price.You should strive for a win-win scenario, not to take advantage of the seller.

There are tons of free resources to read on this site, for buy and hold, flips, or all sorts of other strategies.

In Missouri, if you have an oral lease a 30-day notice is required.

Do you do mostly single family homes or multi unit or all?