For instance, someone making $500k a year and living in a very highly appreciating market might be extremely happy on a deal that loses $200 a month but is getting 5% appreciation on a 2 million dollar property in San Diego, butut that doesn't make sense for the investor with 30k and a lower paying job.When it comes to the book series I agree with you that the order doesn't make sense (having read both).

If you care to elaborate on your comment "trusts don't provide asset protection", I'm all ears and I mean that sincerely, I'm always ready to learn more.

What I hear from a lot of potential investors is that I just want a property that hits all the numbers I've read about in a book or heard about in a seminar.

I think the HELOC is the way to go if you can - However after reading your post, if you are talking about a 6 figure pay day, how long would the property take to generate that 6 figures in cash flow?

Maynhia Stott - be careful on OTC liens, typically those are the leftovers and many instances there is a reason they are leftovers

You should read through some of these numerous posts on this topic.

As far as ethically that is part of my nature and I don't care for the aggressive (potentially predatory) strategies discussed by others, but I see value in offering a transparent and convenient service with lower costs and faster turnarounds than traditional MLS transactions. 

I would be careful when looking at discount PMs because if they aren't making money, they likely have terrible systems in place for management. 

I have a nearly couple dozen in the area and my average rent is almost $900.Be careful who you take advice from

We have project management software, Buildium, so the day-to-day tasks there are fairly well taken care of.