For those of you that have good w2 income and want to take advantage of employer matching (100% return!)

 @Puneet Mahi as others have stated, I would do a deep dive on the markets inside each state to determine where you could have an advantage AND where your family would like to live.

So, as stated above there would be no reason or advantage to refinance.

"There is an obvious advantage to buying on your own vs buying straight from a turnkey if the properties are overvalued."

From what have been explain to me there are advantages and disadvantages in both situations and they aren't exactly interchangeable.Don't know much more than this. 

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

This is a great place to learn and to connect with people so take advantage of all the great resources.

Another downside is you loose on the advantages, of the Federal Tax Code, by not closing in the name of a LLC/ LLC taxed as an S Corp, or an S Corp.If you want to close in the name of a LLC/ LLC taxed as an S Corp, or an S Corp, Mortgage Lenders will offer you Commercial Loan Terms (25-30% down, a 15-25 year amortization, and a ballon due in 5-7 years).

It's much cheaper and closer and they don't lose two entire days of their holiday week traveling.Obviously, this doesn't mean you can't make money if you have the right hotel at the right place to take advantage of the travel resurgence.

Also would love answer to the following: - Are there any specific challenges or advantages you experienced compared to a JV structure?