All of my family and coworkers said I was stupid to give up a good job with amazing benefits -- At first I was nervous that they were right -- NOW - I wouldn't go back for the world - My Time is free to use as I choose and I love it --- Im no longer waiting until the magic day in the distant future to spend my Time doing what I want...So, how does all of that pertain to the topic of the discussion -- I have $ in a 401k that we are contemplating our next move -- I know all of the reasons why it would be a mistake to pull it out - I know that if I do cash out, the amount of money I lose will likely make me sick to my stomach for a few weeks .....

In another market it was a former co-worker of a distant cousin, and in another market it was the spouse of a casual friend.

I did all my homework regarding ownership, heirs or wills that may have been deeded to a friend or distant relative upon original owners death.

Lock in a fixed cost (at 4% interest) or be at the mercy of the market in the distant future... it is a no brainer to me assuming you know you want to be in that area awhile.  

The main difference is with a VR, beyond the fact that you have to set it up fully furnished/equipped, is that it requires more ongoing attention - that is, you're making yourself responsible for guest communication, cleaning arrangements, possible maintenance calls from a distant location, etc.  

It sounds like you are attempting a long distant wholesale.

I did have a tough time pulling appropriate comps, most were stale and distant.

I wish you great success.Maybe in the not too distant future, I will be able to say I'm working on my first flip too.Best Regards,Lisa

Then I jumped too soon trying to manage properties in Atlanta, like someone said earlier, I didn't have enough network in place there for the properties to be so distant.

At 5%, your loan payment drops by $1,100 a month... so if you did buy something now, I would anticipate refinancing it in the not to distant future.