Since they can't do each property individually, they use comparable sales to make broad generalizations to determine percent changes.

At CA tax rates it doesn't take much to be a significant number!  

Some people only want 10-20% of their outstanding lines/debt balances available while the other 80-90% to be in fixed rate notes.

I offered them 10% down, interest rates favorable to me, amortized for 30 years, but with a balloon payment after 3-5 years.

However, prices for a comparable 5-bedroom home in Washington are significantly higher, likely around $1.5M or more, which would mean taking on a new 30-year mortgage with 6+% interest rate and limiting new investment opportunities.2.

It worked out fine, though each time I got a little less than advertised interest rate (about 9% vs 10%) and I had to send a reminder email to to get my money back, but I did get it back.I ask about others' experience, because I'm still not 100% sure it's not a ponzi. 

I know that something has to change and I want to explore purchasing real estate.

-Ray (see above) is the man and can get you hooked up with great rates and low-fees!

By investing in metropolitan areas your yield would be lower (6% to 7%) but you would have a lower vacancy rate.

They also, last minute, changed an 8 bed Fourplex to a 6 bed.