The stock market/real estate is not risk free by any stretch.

Paul Flynn I recommend refinancing after the remodel and seasoning period and put the funds back into your HELOC.If you are not doing any remodel I recommend paying the HELOC off before your next investment.Not doing so may stretch you too thin and cause financial issues.

Still at the end of the day the lack of equity on the way into the property is a concern especially as we enter the "hot" months of phoenix where I'll probably end up having to lose $ up front till around Oct/Nov and carry the property as I establish my presence.The asking $ for this one is a stretch for me and I can find the funds but it would really shift my initial plan on buying a few properties this year and only now allow me to buy this 1.Would love to learn more from you if you might be open to talking.Thanks again for your feedback.Sameer

Even stuff that needs a large renovation is being bid up by multiple investors.South West Minneapolis is very expensive, particularly the area stretching from Lowry Hill to Uptown to the 50th and France corner.  

Also, note that Ashcroft, typically speaking, closes $30M+ properties, so these raises they're doing might be the stretch for them.

.- $24,120/yearNot a investment by any stretch.

Sometimes you can stretch it past that depending on the lender and the circumstances.

I can stretch a 100k more. 

I could get miitary friends to check on the property regularly but they couldn't be there for long stretches.

The GI Bill payments I could see but those benefits still stretch out more than a year but disability I am not sure about.