We paid off our primary home last year and have been slowly getting the courage to jump into the investing market where we live in the Pacific Northwest.

This means that if the bank forecloses, and you can’t pay it off, you will lose all of your money with no recourse to anyone.One option to secure your loan is if one of the partners has a free and clear property worth significantly more than your loan.

Doesn't ring a bell right off the top of the head.

Off market deals usually have nonrefundable deposits and a clunkier process that isn't as suited for out of state people until they have good contacts in the area to evaluate the property (mostly contractors that feel comfortable evaluating projects for you).

With that said, here is an opinion: You cannot write off anything you use as a personal residence.

Property values continue to grow in value, and you can actually live off the rental income.I think it's best to hav all properties paid off by retirement age, since that's when you are going to rely on cash flow for your living expenses.

We negotiated $10,000 off the finder's fee.

I’ve owned different residential homes in California, both sold off market and for over asking.

My two year at the time old grab the edge to help stand up from the seated position on the floor and the glass stop slid off and almost caused severe harm. 

I rented out 2 bedrooms 1 bath for $1,300/mn, as it is a 3 bedroom but blocked it off to be able to do the bathroom addition.