A self-directed IRA or 401k can be a great vehicle for loaning money to others without getting hit with taxes on the interest income.

Purchase price: $540,000 Cash invested: $108,000 Sale price: $540,000 My client bought a condo in Lincoln park.

@Shayan Sameerif you borrow 100% of the purchase price, then you will likely lose money no matter which market you buy in. 

I seriously looked into purchasing a few years back in Valencia but decided ultimately the US had more potential.

i purchased  a couple books with audio books. how do i access the audio books.

It could be possible to still negotiate a purchase depending on the stage of foreclosure it is in. 

When Trying to qualify for a traditional loan, lenders usually price your purchasing power at 3x your net income.

Is it common to purchase a home with other debt?

My wife and I have overhauled our personal budget to reflect the 'pay yourself first' approach (allocate in order: income comes in -> invest -> donate -> fixed expenses -> variable expenses -> fun $$).We are looking to see what experienced people generally recommend for a holding tank for that 'invest' allocation while we target our first real estate deal.What financial vehicles have you guys used that works well for this?

Unless you have a clause in the purchase of the entity that clearly makes you responsible for the entity from the day that you buy it(Indemnification) I wouldn't bother with the LLC.Good luck man. all the best!