Alternatively, if you have taken this program and found merit and I just happened to have this rare occurrence please let me know.Thanks

Then you will have to weigh the merits of their somewhat contradictory advice. 

Alternatives to bonds certainly are merited in such an environment as you suggested. 

A Non-Accredited Investor is anyone that does not meet the above standards.A Sophisticated Investor is a type of investor who is deemed to have sufficient investing experience and knowledge to weigh the risks and merits of an investment opportunity.SEC Rule 506(b)*Permitted Investors: Accredited Investors and up to 35 Non-Accredited Investors, as long as the Non-Accredited Investors are “Sophisticated Investors.”

A good accountant will be able to classify your properties based on their merits, as opposed to a single classification for your business.In other words, if you have 10 properties, 5 of which you flip and 5 of which you are holding as investment, your CPA should be able to get half the properties taxed at long-term capital gains (investments) and half taxed at ordinary income (dealer).Without a good CPA, you run the risk of your entire business being classified as "dealer" and paying higher taxes on all properties.Also, your CPA will recommend how to structure your business entities to support the way he will be claiming the income to the IRS when he does your taxes.

Hi, good morning, Rich, I'm in the old school as well, no rule of thumb, each deal stands on its own merit.

I guess the saying "help others get what they want, and you will achieve everything you've ever wanted" has some merit to it.Merry Christmas to all. 

I came across this BP forum post from a few years back discussing the merits of cashing out a 401k to invest in real estate. http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/49/topics/7460...

Would a bank loan the amount to me, without a cosigner, based on the merits of the property as a commercial loan?

Some areas rent per unit may be high but fees for management and repair work might be low.You have to look at each potential acquisition on it's own merit and use averages as a guide but not the definitive answer.