As I’m nearing retirement, I just invested a similar amount in first trust deeds secured by real estate at 9.75%.

Do the math and you'll see it doesn't make sense.The best way to invest: increase earnings, reduce expenses, and save.

This allows for proper retirement of assets.If a property has already been sold it may still be a good candidate for cost segregation as long as you sold the building and have not filed the tax return.

Or, better yet, scale faster and retire early.It’s not easy, but it’s simple.

Perhaps they want long term income for their retirement and ultimately their heirs.

Reality is most of us who make it long term work our butts off in a W2, save as much as possible and build it over time -- When I see people want 10 properties in one year with no money down - I question how realistic that is, of course anything can be done but is that even the right play unless your sitting on $2-$3M in cash?

With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge.

But, what’s the best strategy for someone who wants to own property, but just as an “aside”; to diversify their portfolio, hedge against inflation, or build a retirement nest egg?

Should I just save that additional tuition money and put that towards my first investment? 

I’m trying to diversify some and build my Retirement Accounts with some stocks.