I plan to stay in this general area for at least the next 20 years and think buying real estate would be a great way to diversify my investment portfolio.So in almost any scenario you will come ahead buying vs renting over twenty years probably well less than half of that, but the investment you are making is a long term investment you probably won’t be able to leave after a year or two and rent for more than your mortgage, I’d really think about where you want to live medium-long term, than any investment metric, because the longer you stay the better the investment looks, and if you can move out sooner great, but I’d guess at minimum you’d have to stay 5 years before rents would catch up to your mortgage. 

I don't know what HELOC interest is (8 guessing), but I'm sure its much higher than a cd.

I guess it’s back to the grind on tenant finding for MTR. 😊 Thanks again!

Doesn't have the sex appeal of wholesaling, I guess.

I know that i could buy my next multi family property as a primary residence close by move in, rent half live in the other and than rent where i am now which would cash flow upwards of 1k monthly, or i could buy another multi as strictly an investment property out of state which would be a lot cheaper (taxes and cost of property) and a lot more landlord friendly laws than New York, i guess i’m just undecided on which route i want to take and I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons of each scenario.

It sounds like a big misunderstanding and I guess the learning lesson is for you to always to get an invoice from anyone doing work.  

I’m guessing your rents are far below market value.

And guess what, if your using a proxy thinking that will protect from disclosure as an agent, nope, it doesn't, you have to disclose it even then. 

These props were in good areas so I am guessing that is why. keep in mind true A class areas whould see majority of comps being sales to homeowners NOT investors.. homeowners dont care what the cash flow is or the potential rental income is only investors do..

I've purchased Joe McCall's coaching and used his Lease Option Strategies and made multiple 5 figures through his teachings alone.sorry you had a bad experience @Ryan Phu, but my guess is that it would've been much better if you got a deal from it correct?