That is an upfront game plan with numbers that should be somewhat fail proof if done correctly.Lastly dont forget that 85% of people who take out a HELOC end up doing a refinance within 3 years to consolidate into one loan. 

Removing all skills from the equation, if you don't take a break from participating as a real estate investor in some way each day, you will stay far ahead of everyone else who keeps subbing themselves out and then asking to get back in when the game is already out of reach.

Hello, My wife and I are new to Bigger Pockets and are fairly novice real estate investors in Northern Maryland.

Quote from @Samantha Benz: Hey everyone, I am a brand new investor and member of the Bigger Pockets Community.

For example I know many who are now just lending because they are getting 10-12% short term which is far better than any cap rate on real estate. you do not have the equity upside as you do real estate but its a way to play the short game to see what happens over the next 12-24 months and decide when you want to buy.

What I DO like about Bigger Pockets are the people that are very positive and gives great advice.

$120,000/0.06 equals $2,000,000.So in my mind the target should NOT be cash flow but rather building net worth.Despite what the gurus say, sufficient cash flow to be financially free can only come once one has sufficient capital to invest.Let’s be clear I only buy apartment propeties that cash flow but immediate cash flow to put spendable dollars in my pocket is NOT the primary goal.

Offering a refundable fee would have to come out of your pocket.

Welcome to the Bigger Pockets community!

Is this pocket a value oriented area (most sq ft per dollar of rent) or will they care more about proximity to highways, retail, walkability?