We are capable of bringing in 20%, but we'd rather keep our capital on the sideline until the refi, if possible.

I was learning on the sidelines without realizing that some day I may use what I learned and start my own REI adventure. 

I am currently evaluating a property which I'd like to force appreciation on but even if that deal turns out favorably, obtaining it won't eat up the money I have on the sideline right now because it's outside of the Socal market.

I've watched people who were in a position to buy a year ago sit on the sidelines, hoping for a crash. 

I wanted to share my story...it's stories like this that kept me motivated and I hope it can do the same for those on the sidelines or those getting started.It's been 7 months and we are about nearly finished with the rehab to our first multifamily complex we picked up in April.

Get the good old boys out of the business and sitting on the sidelines with their wallets open and their mouths closed however you can.

Similarly, I've seen posts saying that meetups are a more viable option to find serious partners.This is coming from someone who's spent most of their time on the side-line reading and watching, so take it with a grain of salt :)

You may not be losing money, but you have an opportunity cost because you will have to sit on the sidelines while your cash sits in that property.I think you have to consider opportunity costs when you are betting on natural appreciation.

And that is ok, its just the market telling us to sit on the sidelines at wait until a good deal comes along.What you will find is that its impossible to "time the market", you will lost a LOT more money waiting for a downturn that never comes, or comes years later. 

, contractors in the area, teachers, landlords who were on the sidelines, etc.