I don't follow the concept that personal debt is necessary and it sure isn't good.

I don't mean to go against the grain of those who are selling that idea - all I can say is that it did not work for me.So.......... back to taking seminars, buying cassette tapes and books - I wanted to learn everything I could about investing in real estate ---- so--I had to get money, working capital, and I needed to go on the cheap - A friend told me about cheap properties you could buy in Baltimore - houses for only $2-3,000 and many of them could be found at public auctions.After borrowing some money and getting some credit cards and a new job - one in sales - I was ready - ready to invest in cheap- junk properties in the City.And wouldn't you know it - I got lucky at my first auction and purchased a cheap house that was boarded up - Because of all those expensive seminars I enrolled in I WAS READY - prepared with my pry-bar, flash light, level, marble and probe - I decided to go to this building that was being auctioned the next day - I sort of removed some plywood and crawled through a window to take a look -Boy was I surprised - this place looked great - I later found out that the estate boarded it to keep squatters out.The next day - I was ready with my deposit and waiting for the auctioneer to start his melodious hypnotic chant - 5 bidders appeared but did not bid because they could not get it - I was the only bidder and got the house real cheap.Today as an auctioneer, investor and developer of commercial properties - if someone would ask my opinion on how to get started I would suggest ---Continue to study but learn how to cut through the BSGet a credit line Learn 20 creative financing techniques - no money down systems (that is none of your own money)Hang with a few successful investors and pick - pick - pick their brain*** Look at 50 houses in the area you intend to invest (not expensive, blue collar, mixed rental and home owner neighborhoods)When you are finished looking at 50 properties - you will be armed with knowledge that most agents and other investors don't have - knowledge of values -Keep a journal, put listings in it, write down everything the agent or owner says, keep a record of the cost per square foot - this will help determine values -Have agents send you expired listings - go knock on the door or send a letter to ask if they are still accepting offers on the property - Remember an expired listed is a property that failed to sell - the seller should still be motivated to sell. 

I would recommend reading through the Upstate Business Journal to get a feel for the type of money going into creating jobs in Spartanburg.

@Dan Krupa There are ways to invest in real estate with your 401k or IRA account, but you need to understand the different concepts.- Invest with a self directed account: You are right that you can roll your 401k/IRA money into a self directed IRA (or a Solo 401k) and avoid paying penalty and taxes.

Click Here for the Memphis Business Journal story about the rapid growth in Memphis, TNMany of my investors are shocked when they see the growth Memphis is experiencing.  

I'm sure REI works the same around the world, the numbers might vary but the concept works.

But, how does this concept apply to buy and long-term hold?

I thought I would present this situation to the BP community and ask their advice and opinion on the whole concept of paying off debt versus using Real Estate as a vehicle to help you reach your goals.

I'm Alex, and I am interested in the concept of house hacking.

Crowd funding is a neat concept but nothing beats getting to know a developer/flipper in your area and invest with them.