If little or no equity, probate costs will likely outweigh the benefits of trying to save the house so an arrangement to get cash for keys from lender in return for a dignified relocation plan/timing would be preferable,

Some potential drawbacks to keep in mind are:Additional closing and loan origination costs (two transactions/mortgages instead of one) - speak to your lender and title company about costsTwo insurance policies instead of one - probably close to double the insurance cost as compared to a duplex - get a quote from a good insurance agent and compareTwo sets of property taxes instead of oneThese certainly aren't deal killers, and the benefits noted above may outweigh the disadvantages.

The cost far outweighs the benefits for that amount of money.

I wondered the same thing at first but the advantages of starting your investing outweighs waiting to start. 1.

Utilizing these policies out-weigh using cash.  

Being close or having personal ties will far outweigh any small variable that makes you think one market is superior to another.The midwestern rental product is ideal for the investor who is priced out of their own market or wants a passive investment in their own market.

My net worth is high enough where the peace of mind significantly outweighs any mathematical benefit.That being said, my CPA swears up and down that I should but my first rental property with 50% down instead of paying cash, so I'll listen to her.In terms of programs, I'm honestly just going to read every book I can get my hands on over the next 6-9 months, grab a mentor or two, and see where that takes me.

We have looked at costly private funds and the cost of that capital did not outweigh the savings.Thank you !

If you are in your current position with cash AND have plenty of monthly savings, I'd think that you are in pretty good shape and you are entering the territory where the costs of failure to act may outweigh the risks of not being better capitalized..

The return on your dead money plus the interest tax deduction far out weighs the 401K.