Investing with a syndicator using low-interest Line of Credit

[Dean Attali]

I currently invest with a syndicator using my own money, and I'm getting 8% per year back through it, with the hope of getting much more in a few years down the line with the property is sold.

I also have access to a 4% line of credit through my bank. My question is - is it a bad idea to do another similar investment, with an 8% return, if I can get a 4% loan? It essentially means I can get a 4% return on whatever the line of credit is, without costing me anything. I understand the risk of if the deal goes south, then I will have to pay back the LOC plus 4% interest, so in the worst case scenario I lose 4%. But are there any good to not do this?

[Ivan Barratt]

@Dean Attali this strategy has "brought down the house" throughout history.

The saying goes, "Don't borrow short and invest long." 

Read: Long Term Capital Management and The 2008 housing crisis as two great examples when values dropped and short term raised increased.