Stock Market While Saving For Down Payment?

[James Krahula]

I am currently saving for my first down payment on a buy and hold real estate property. I'm using Barclays with their really high 1.5% APY savings account. A lot of people will argue that if you are saving for a down payment you shouldn't put your money in something risky like the stock market. But if you are saving for an investment property, why not double down and invest my savings for a down payment in the stock market to potentially capitalize on higher gains and try and make my money work harder for me until I pull it out and invest it in real estate? Arguments for or against this idea?

[Gino Barbaro]

@James Krahula

If real estate is your focus and goal, don't invest in the stock market.  Whatever you focus on, grows. A short term correction can wipe out any potential gain. I would only invest what I was able to lose, especially if I want to repurpose into real estate.

Gino