Re-purposed material material always takes way to much time (and skill) to install to yield a savings although it does look great if done well.

In my view, you're in a classic scenario that a cost-benefit analysis will solve.

I was just throwing it out there.. but this is a classic Error and Omission deal in my mind.. and certainly department of real estate will get into it..  

In short, it might be a trend more than classic finish.

Coming from the compliance side of things we see all kinds of interesting errors from groups that tried to "repurpose" documents.

A twist on the classic - buy a duplex, rent out half.

That deal was brought to me by an investor who sent out the classic yellow letters.

We have been able to refi and roll over the last 5 years and go from 25 units to over 900, without syndication.You buy an asset, add value by increasing the NOI, then refinance it and repurpose the funds into your next deal.It is possible, but it takes dedication, partners and a willingness to work hard and stay focusedHope that helpsGino

I would stick mostly with free materials right now, if you have a tight budget, like the podcasts, and also public libraries (many have rei books in the stacks or are in a network to get you both the best selling real estate books and also classics of real estate investment)...

Rob Gronkowskiis a classic example of spending the bare minimum I know a few people who have successfully raised capital from professional athletes.