RalphJ,

Actually, I was not replying your email, but Raimundo's one, no need to apologize. I know few bad ones myself. Back in 1996 I lost quite a bit of $ with an 0ff-plan in Porto Alegre; last year got everything back + interest after going after the personal property of the guys. But Courts in South work a bit better, longer but better.
Well, my son is American-Brazilian, we have that in common, I may send him to study in Florida in the future, but we never know the future...For now, just making my mind regarding a Summer house.