Yes there is an investment component, but true investing is passive.

In my mind, that puts me out of real estate altogether, and I want to make real estate a serious component of my portfolio.Is there a creative option #3 that doesn't entail foreclosure (I'd have to pay those taxes) and my income is sufficient enough that I don't think they'll forgive it very easily.Thank you!

I'd assume at least $50-60k to be safe. 2) Comp on the same street that appears to be under contract for $259.9k- but slightly larger at 1900 sf, 2.5 baths, fully renovated: http://u.zillow.com/p2T5Pn/3) General Zillow #s for Hampden are more like $220k, not close to $300k.

And remember since these are rental houses Not ongoing multi family the projections are simply that... you will never know how well they perform until you have owned them 3 to 5 years..Ergo picking a company to get you set up and look after you post sale is a critical component.. and you want your basis as low as you can reasonably do as well.

And I comp only with the recently sold even though I also look at the competition but I don't base my price upon that.

Include copies of the liens if you have them and the cost it will take to rectify the landscaping and tear down the un-permitted patio if its unsafe as well as other key house components that might not be obvious.

The appraiser used a comp on Buffum St.

I was terrified when I began, however I worked through that and considering Milwaukee had all of the components i.e low cost of entry, great price to rent ratios, advantageous land lord tenant laws on the books, dense population, accessibility to  public records etc....

Hi Marcin,Out of state investing is an important component of geographic diversification and syndication can be an ideal way of achieving that from a passive investor perspective.  

You're right, there are many advantages to a Solo 401k over an IRA: Compared to an IRA, Solo 401k contributions limits are roughly ten times higher.There is no custodial requirement for the 401k.You don't need the additional expense and administration of an LLC to have checkbook control.There is a built in-Roth component whereas IRAs are either traditional or Roth, not both.A spouse can also participate in the same Solo 401k plan.The Solo 401k has additional tax benefits over an IRA when investing into real estate using leverage.The penalties for prohibited transactions are less severe, though it's best not to utilize this benefit :)