While I am a lender, I personally use hard money on all of my own investment projects.

I both personally invest in real estate and help others gets started/expand their portfolios in various Midwest/midsouth markets.What I do with my kids: My wife and I have 2 of our rentals that are on the same street, with a home in between them.

It isn't having paid off properties that offers security, there are still taxes, insurance, maintenance and management involved. 

@Adrian Lammersdorf-SciollWhy does everyone want to chase strangers – and ignore their own personal network?

I would love to have a conference call with all of those involved in the LYL scam.

If they are seniors there’s a senior abuse government agency that could get involved.

Or REQUIREMENTS for personal use. 

Since the high rent properties usually involve less work.

If you are the only one on title and the only person that can sell it, you have leverage to threaten to sell the place and that contractor gets nothing.

In particular, now I make sure I can talk to the person who will be my direct contact at the company.