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

Five years ago anyone and everyone was getting into owning real estate and many of them right now lost all their investors money and went broke.

I have a great credit score and a good amount of money saved.

Our attorney told me just return the money as the brain damage of going to court and potentially losing (court is really just rolling the dice - small claims court is not about justice and the law but what the "judge" thinks is "fair") is not worth the possible gain.We always sign a lease and any funds paid are first applied to rent and the SD is collected last.

There needs to be more and more money circulated now that our currency is not backed by anything.

Higher risk structures can achieve higher IRRs, but can also break even or even lose money.

Instead of tying up a huge chunk of capital upfront, you can leverage a lower down payment and let your money work for you elsewhere.          3. 

-The other heirs didn't sign any documents to sale the property or received any money.- The property is now worth over a million dollars now. 

I am saying they can be beneficial at times (probably not at the current rates - there may be cheaper money available). 

Quote from @Erik Estrada: You are better off saving the money, as 15-20% down is the norm for investment property financing.