My largest concern with holding reserves in high volatility assets would be the stock market having a flash crash or something similar at the same time I need a major repair and I've just undid years of gains in my equities investment.

(No offense Rob - I've just found that people from Silicon Valley tend to never spend time in Richmond, but usually happy to share their opinion about why investing doesn't work there.. - would be happy to listen to your reasoning behind your statement, although I didn't see the support.

Tampa's a great market, I've just started buying in the area as well. using 50% rule, cap rates are 5.5-7% for grade B neighborhoods, and 8%+ for C or below.I think it's relatively safe, since rent hasn't risen too much, so even if the price crashes, you're not going to be wiped out. 

We ended up partnering 50/50 on the deal, and his father who has been looking to invest in real estate, acted as our private money lender so we could close quickly, in cash.Fast forward a few weeks later and I've just closed on an off market deal where we paid $15k below appraisal for a tenanted cash flowing SFR, started a partnership with a great friend who has a very complimentary skill set and work style to mine, and gained access to a private money lender with deep pockets.

If been a Realtor since 2007, but I’ve just ventured into the investing side of things.

I know I'm late to this thread but wanted to post because I recently found a newer commercial lender who will lend off of the appraised value after only 3 months seasoning! 

Hi everyone,I'm new to learning about investing and just recently found Bigger Pockets.  

I recently found a three family foreclosed house on the market in NJ, a tenant friendly state (being sold as is).

I've just never been in a situation where someone wouldn't sign one or simply stopped communicating.

I just recently found out about BiggerPockets and I'm super excited to explore all of what this site has to offer.