The deal did not go through and they never returned my money.

I buy my STR's for fun so that I have cool places I want to go to for my family that pay for themselves and make some money.

If you’re considering managing trades yourself, be prepared for scheduling and quality control challenges, but it can save you money if done right.

In the next 5-10 years, I plan to leave my current industry and transition to real estate full-time, so I’m especially interested in how this could impact that goal.Current FinancialsRoth 401(k) Balance: $105KContributions: $79KEarnings: $23.5KSalary: $109KContributing 6% annually ($545/month), with a 100% match for the first 3%Investment Growth Assumption: 8% per yearCurrent Rental Cash Flow (Pure Profit After All Expenses): $7,500/month (9 units)Potential New Property Cash Flow (Pure Profit After All Expenses): $1,300/monthCurrent Real Estate Portfolio Value: $1.4MAfter New Property: $1.7MWithdrawal Breakdown ($60K)Tax-Free Contributions: $45KTaxed Earnings: $13.4KWhy Only $13.4K Is Taxed and PenalizedMy Roth 401(k) balance is made up of:Total Balance: $105KContributions: $79K (75.24% of total)Earnings: $23.5K (22.38% of total)When withdrawing, the money comes out proportionally from contributions and earnings.

But I didn’t need to worry–they had a lot of money!

What are the main differences in hard money lenders vs. private money lenders?""

A fool and his money are soon parted. 

Insurance Proceeds and Taxability: The insurance payout you receive is not "free money."

Once to him and he stole the money and once to the sub to remove the lien.

I would focus more on where the day to day dollar comes in rather than the money from the property.