This is going to vary widely depending on the strategy and real estate asset class.

The market may vary one way or the other & we don’t want to be stuck coming out of pocket on the backend as well.If it was needed to get the deal done, the minimum balloon we could offer is 10-12 years. .Never SELL using "Subject To".

I see where you guys are discussing meetups and varying schedules.

It varies by program.To learn more about DSCR programs: DSCR loans won't use your income to underwrite the loan.

I was fortunate enough to find a lender with 15% down for my previous properties  For sure, man, I’m sure it varies by state with Lending  but in Texas 20% down is  pretty standard on investment properties.

Focus on LocationChicago’s rental market varies widely by neighborhood.

My humble advice to anyone attempting to do creative finance is:Creative finance is for experienced investors who have access to capital if anything goes wrong.Learn the lawsDon't use a contract "off the internet", laws vary by state and are also regulated on a federal levelLearn the financing techniques correctlyDon’t skip parts of the processDon’t ever do a “kitchen table” closingUse the proper deedAn attorney can help you with the legal work, but the rest you are on your ownYour guru will not bail you out“Investing” in someone else’s deal by providing a small 2nd loan so the “investor” can pay for “cash to the seller” and for “closing costs” so he can do the deal is a very bad planKnow what problems can ariseLearn the responses and solutions to problems before they are neededKnow everything there is to know about Title and what that meansKnow who a "protected class" individual isLearn the "back doors"Learn human natureUnderstand timelinesUnderstand regulation enforcement (some of these "mistakes" have a 10 year statue of limitations ( they can charge you 10 years AFTER you do the transaction) and carry hefty fines and possible imprisonmentThe court doesn't accept "I didn't know" for an answer"Know that the source of the lead plays a serious role in some states and federallyKnow how much of a "profit" pushes the boundaries to invite an investigationYou can be sued by the seller if you don’t do things correctlyYou are automatically at fault if an investigator or attorney or regulator gets involved.

Once that amount is reached, then continue setting aside cash for the next investment purchase. 

I have been investing in trust deeds for over a decade and will continue to do so because I believe this is one of the best ways to invest your retirement funds.

The process can vary greatly so it's important to understand it and ensure it works for you.