2)What instruments are you using?

@Chris SukalaYou could roll it into a self-directed retirement instrument, and use it for some kinds of real estate investing.This avoids the tax hit, and it lets you do something with the money.There are a lot of rules about the ways you can invest, but it's totally viable as a retirement investment tool.

Brian, you sound like the Music Man in the musical teaching kids how to play instruments he sold as a con man who knew nothing about teaching music, he called his method the "Think System" if you think you can, you can, but with a little help they did get to 76 Trombones in their parade.

However, the taxes are a little steep.If one is tapped out, use this opportunity to do something one loves such as learning how to play an instrument, and/or get in shape.

You should also sign a promissory note, and whatever security instrument (i.e. deed of trust, mortgage) the state where the property is located uses.If your lender doesn't require a note or security interest in the property, send him or her my way!    

There are also truly great threads on crowdfunding (just search the keyword) and if you're an accredited investor, the CF sites offer a very nice alternative to current yields you may be getting on bond or cash-like instruments.

It is correct that moderators take different approaches - I generally just edit out unsuitable material unless the entire post is just too egregious to deal with - but technically speaking posts that do not follow the rules are fair game to just be booted.

I'm sure it's the first mortgage based on which instrument is cited in the foreclosure notice.

I joined last year and it's been instrumental in giving me the resources and contacts needed to invest in real estate.

If you take your money out of the market and put it in a more secure instrument, like a CD or US Treasury bond, you will lose 4% to 6% per year.