When I was ready to buy it, he subordinated to the construction loan, then after construction and upon the sale of the spec duplex, he was paid back his original investment plus a healthy profit.

I am here because the concept of becoming financially independent through real estate is easy to understand and appealing, I at least have some experience in buying and selling 4 different homes (all primary residence) and I can have some level of control in the outcome.I have a decent amount of capital available, about $300k liquid (that would require me to sell a few stocks/ETF's), I have nearly 50% equity in my house valued at just over $1M, and a healthy 401k etc. 

Reassess your insurance and tax rates.Understand capex costs and get healthy budgets to handle rehabs and contingencies.  

The longer play that really is interesting to me is how to make suburbs healthy.

The HELOC's will be paid back in the first quarter of 2015 and the second quarter will see our reserves start to get healthy again, but what a bloody fight!!

It takes a lot of effort, strength and commitment to do what is right for our financial health. I

Is this all I need to concern myself with, the water in the area seems healthy, and no 'news' of 'Gas Leaks' in the news. 

Or teaming up with other investors who need some rehab cash (albeit more prone to risk than online savings)- this would give you first hand experience in the REI world & provide a healthy return.Lots of fun ideas out there, just requires time, patience, & discipline- since we're practically neighbor's- feel free to pm me if you ever want to meet up and chat real estate.

It's not a down market yet but it's not as healthy as it once was. 

I have committed to a healthy marketing budget this year and have a few strategies lined up including direct mail.