A tidy profit, plus confidence to tackle the next project solo.On the topic of self-directed IRAs: While they’re fantastic for gaining experience and diversifying into real estate over time, they can feel restrictive if your main goal is scaling quickly.Here’s what I’d focus on:Using Equity Wisely: A HELOC or cash-out refinance could unlock funds to pursue a flip or duplex without touching your 401(k).Partnering Smartly: Your realtor friend sounds like a great resource.

So again I don’t disagree that there will be elevated unemployment in the dc area, I don’t even disagree it’s possible you see a spike in inventory (though no evidence of that yet) in fact I’ve been saying on the forms for years I think some people have been to confident in areas real estate market, I was maybe the only person on here who saw what was going on in dc city proper when prices did fall about 20% 3 years ago.

In fact, in that mastermind group, I connected with a lot of high-level investors and that’s where I got the confidence to start investing in Costa Rica with partners that I met in that mastermind group.Your brother gave me some good advice of how to run a debt fund, which was super helpful.With regards to the lease option model, I feel super comfortable with it and I’ve done enough to see how profitable lease options are and I would say they’re much more profitable, and require a lot less effort once you are used to them, than any other type of real estate I’ve done over the past 15 years.I posted some numbers above that showed the difference of doing a partnership model or a debt model.

Also, check if they have skin in the game (their own money invested), as it shows they’re confident in the deal and aligned with your interests.If you’re considering alternatives, REITs are fantastic for super-passive investors who want steady, low-effort returns—usually about 2 points above a savings account—but you lose tax benefits and control.

Unless you are confident in estimating the renovations needed, I would highly recommend getting a contractor's professional opinion of the rehab costs.

EVEN THOUGH EVERYTHING WENT WRONG THIS YEAR IM STILL OPTIMISTIC MY CONFIDENCE ISNT WAVERED AND IM MORE DETERMINED TO REACH MY REAL ESTATE GOALS I SAY THIS TO SAY NEVER GIVE UP !!!

It's going to be more about your confidence in the market that you can afford than anything else, so the primary thing is to look up a few areas you might be able to afford and then look for someone local that can hop on a call to give you an idea about what investing there is like. 

Not only did I save over $500/month on my monthly payments, but the reappraisal came in over $140k above my purchase price, which was a huge confidence booster.Fall: Challenges and Big ProjectsFall brought some of the toughest challenges of the year.

I can confidently speak about Birmingham.

I do want to expand directly in my area and having more confidence when speaking to landlords but that just means my sales pitch still needs work.