.: I’m looking at a property that checks all the boxes—good numbers and fits my buy box—but I haven’t seen it in person.

His reason was the only thing he knew to do with the proceeds was to loan it back out at 12%, and he would be "behind" where he is now in cashflow.His proceeds would have given him options up to and including PE, but he is a simple man and in his case holding was the option for now. 

The question is mostly a personal financial planning question and it depends on your preference and what balance of risk and access you'd like and would be comfortable with.

He is different than a personal trainer bc at least a trainer cares about your results and isn't lying about their own. 

You could use a HELOC, but with VA loans you have an allotment so you can get loans on more than one home depending on how much bandwidth they give you.

You can talk to the bank about a loan; however, my bet is they will want some form of contract and scope of work and will only pay him at set milestones.

Dumb question - but are these auctions online only, or in-person? 

In 30 years the balloon payment is due to the seller and that's when the taxes are due.Coupling a monetization loan to an installment sale accomplishes the same thing but puts cash in the sellers hands that can be re-invested.

I'll let others chime in on their experiences, but from a motivational perspective, I think attending live events and getting the "conference high" is something that only happens through in-person connections and being in the same room with investors who are eagerly pursuing their real estate/financial goals. 

In 2022 I also sold my money pot personal residences for $961,000 and purchased it for $154,000 in 1999. $500,000 was tax free due to being married.