Since the federal government is behind the medical side, some real break throughs are on the way I'm sure.

Hi; when I first learned of lease options I remember reading that even US government programs used or provided financing for them.

All that debt will be a good deal when you get to pay it back with cheaper dollars after the impending inflation from the government's policy of cheap money kicks in.When you need to buy the wife's car buy a used car for cash-- car loan rates appear cheap but they are not because you're borrowing money for an asset that looses value rapidly.

The new every two plan from the Government is a great way for real estate investors to get started and build assets.

The bank has no obligation to agree to a short sale under ANY conditions (other than perhaps those recently mandated by the Federal government), so what exactly do you expect their lawyers to tell them?

The government and many large high-tech companies have programs like this that will enable you to develop your focus.There was a thread here recently I wish I could find for you, where many successful RE investors volunteered their education and formal degrees.

No, but HUD is the government and the beat to their own drummer.

According to Tom Barrack, CEO of Colony Capital (which manages nearly $50B) distressed single family housing is one of the most attractive investments of the past 20 years because government intervention has kept affordability artificially high (due to low interest rates) and you can buy below replacement cost even after the expense of fixing up the property.

Ben Leybovich you know what they say, "those that can...DO and those that can't...TEACH" Jennifer Lee I also cannot agree with you because like Ben said costs have become prohibitive due to the government subsidizing everyones education, living expenses, beer money, etc...The best education you can get is from actually finding someone who does what you want to be doing and get on the job training.For accounting, marketing, and other subjects you can get a basics class at the local community college for dirt cheap ($73 a semester here per class)

Keep the government (and your family) happy by staying out of trouble and making sure that you're not holding the home as security in the "financing".