Thinking out loud--should we be postponing our REI plans?

Right now the plan, such as it is, is to get rid of the condo before we resume our REI operations. You kind readers have suggested as much elsewhere, and that was the advice of a certain quasi-mentor of ours. It seems to make sense--this albatross is no small amount of stress in our lives. And while we're dumping an absurd amount of money into it every month, we're not free to pursue even the most basic of REI transactions. For example, right now it would be impossible for us to put up a non-offensive earnest money deposit.

But...is this wise?

According to REI dogma, there are ALWAYS deals out there. This can work in any market. (I admit, though, that living in Northern Virginia I'm a bit of a heretic on that point...) If there are deals to be had, and if they're right in our backyard, and if I need a lot of cash to get out of this hole, shouldn't I be working to secure a deal? It seems like our salvation is right there but I don't have the ability to pursue it. Needless to say, it's incredibly frustrating. Especially when I see new bandit signs in my neighborhood every day...

I suppose if I was tougher I'd go for it. Maybe I still will. But honestly, right now the thought of resuming our REI plans on top of marketing the condo, marketing and doing the moving business, and working full-time as a grantwriter, makes me want to slam my head in the door repeatedly until I am dead, dead, dead.

Then again, Grace's muffler blew out last night...