Your budget allows for a balanced approach, spreading risk while tapping into different segments of the local real estate market.Raleigh's real estate market is characterized by its resilience, growth potential, and appeal to a wide range of tenants.

got a 4 unit building for sell in the north suburbs of chicago that cost 25k over apprised value but seller said they are will to hold the financing with 100k down. rents out for just over market rates leaving a noi of around 30k. so my question is, even tho he's over market and appraised value, but willing to hold the balance of mortgage, is this deal worth it?

Around here, $1000 on your mortgage balance costs about $5 per month.

Here's the situation:Rental #1 value = ~$122k (according to zillow estimate)mortgage balance = $63kincome = $1050Roth IRA balance = $16kCurrent cash balance and debt to income ratio are likely a no-go to just get another mortgage.Our goal is to generate more passive income.  

But if he's 10 yrs into a 30yr mortgage that was originally 70k, then there's probably a balance of somewhere around 57k remaining.

With a HELOC, you can pay cash for the property, which makes your offers stand out, and you don't pay until you close and you only pay for what you use, not the available balance.

While you and your spouse may be able to participate in the same 401k and pull the funds together in a single investment - each of you will have a participant account and you must track the balance for each account. 

I cash flow about 250 a month because I'm balancing an escrow shortage.

You have an awesome start with 2 free and clear properties and one with a low mortgage balance. 

Takes a while and you must have the volume and balance sheet to warrant the fuzzy little feelings the banks need when removing you from the personal liability.