Should I borrow from my home's equity to start investing in real estate?

[Mark Boyd]

With absolutely no prior experience investing in real estate, I'm getting to the point/age where retirement from corporate America is getting closer and closer, however I still have 2 kids to put through college over the next 2-6 years. I have a 401k, IRA, and pension in place to help me achieve retirement quicker, however I definitely feel the squeeze on a daily basis and always feel like I'm living paycheck to paycheck. I'd estimate that I currently have about $300k in equity on my home, and am seriously considering borrowing some of it to invest in real estate, however I have no idea what the best options would be (syndicating, rentals, flips, lending, etc). Curious how someone with a bit of real estate experience would handle this type of situation. I'd like to be fairly hands-off due to daily work commitments, and looking for something that doesn't involve a ton of risk. What are my best options?

[Eric Gerakos]

Mark, since you're an inexperienced investor, I would be very cautious about borrowing against the roof over your head. If your first investment goes South you run the risk of putting your home in jeopardy. Take your time and look for other financing strategies with less risk.