I'm not convinced that buying one Elio reservation is the path to owning an Elio.
At this time, anyone selling their reservation must do so at a loss. With the incentives still in place, there is no benefit to be gained buying someone's reservation, as opposed to directly dealing with EM, The first opportunity to perhaps break-even, if the incentives are no longer offered and no sign of E's being made (like today -when/if the loan guarantee is approved it will immediately add value as the odds of production goes up). The next (and perhaps most profitable) will be when they close the first year's production list. i.e. if there is now a complete list of all $ levels published, everyone will know their spot in line. So, lets say, someone with a $100.00 want in will be waiting for the 50,000th +/- unit , might, at that time, buy their way closer to getting an E. this will be of benefit to the seller, as the total paperwork will be transferring a name thru EM, and receiving cash.
The more difficult, and perhaps more profitable, is to buy the E, and sell it. The upside- someone who "must" have it, the downside, you have to pay in full for the E, buyer must too pay you in cash and hope the buyer will like the color and options you select and at a competitive price (you will not be alone with this plan) - and you're selling a "used" E
This last option is my plan, I have three reservations- take delivery (of 7013, my 1k all-in) and try to sell it for (I'm thinking 5k above my costs) if I sell it great,- If I can't sell ? keep it and sell my $100 all-in. face value will be $150 (with incentive) (at that time I'm not sure if you sell your spot in line the incentive is transferrable
E's not hot sell the second E. and then take the $100.00 refund on the- want in, Of course the downside, no e's ever made- I'll lose $1200 total. $1300, if they are unable to make refunds. Let's hope the last doesn't happen to any of us