jeremy: thanks! can't wait for the review!!
mcbride: you definately need that contract in your hand! light some fire under her a** b/c the contract has you date/time/location and that's the most important thing to have in writing.
andim: a TA can hold a block of rooms and all you have to pay is the deposit. I am working with a TA and gave my guests the option of booking on their own or through the TA. FI and I got a MUCH better deal for our second location for the HM than on Orbitz, Expedia, etc (like 1/2 the cost). and like TA Jill said, it takes the pressure off of you and if anything happens, the TA steps in. They are in the industry so they have all the "ins" and can work some magic!