@Arthur Savery, This can be a great game plan called a diversification exchange. 

I am more likely to take a risk, but i suspect when my husband is out from under a controlling baby mama, he won’t mind a little risk either.I love Texas, try to vacation there often and my husband is aligned with Texas farm property as a ten year long term goal.I’m also passionate about the trades and if i could do it all again I’d be part owner of some kind of builder or remodeler or specialty trades business. 

Hello everyone,I’m currently in the planning phase for a development project just outside of Santa Fe, NM.

Would love to hear your plans. 

Plan on staying married no matter how rocky it gets, work through it, it's worth it. 

Quote from @Paul Gupta: Hi, in California, For jobs requiring a license, there was CSLB (contractor state licensing board) which would give either a General Contractor license, or specialty licenses by trade (~60 specialties such as concrete, welding tile, ) https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classific...My Q: does Maryland and DC area have similar requirements? 

We are mainly looking to continue growing our portfolio and we are happy to bring on investors who's real estate plans line up with ours.From what I've gathered by listening to all of the Bigger Pockets podcast shows it seems like there are many people out there looking to get in to acquiring  value-add properties but may not have the experience or might be weary of contractors.

@Anita Z.I recommend finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation, tax planning and financial planning.

If you ever have questions or want feedback on a plan, feel free to reach out—I’d love to help.

You could also get a line of credit for about $150k (you should be able to borrow 75% of the value.)The reason I suggest this is…1) you save $40-$60k in selling costs. 2) you have a lower blended interest rate (2/3rds at 3.25% and 1/3rd at 7 or 8% instead of the whole $500k at 7 or 8%) saving you another $1k/mo in interest. 3) you only pay interest on that $150k when you actually use it, not from day 1  Unless you hate this property, or want to buy something you can’t afford without selling, that would be my plan.