Maricopa Co in the last 6 months has had 25% more inflow from CA than the 2019 monthly average.

Pretty easy to make that kinda coin in that biz. 

I've been really focusing in on stocks, cryptocurrency (also started getting into crypto ASIC mining) ever since but been waiting for a big crash so I can possibly scoop up some properties a bit cheaper.   

I paid off the HELOCs within a year and a half and was cash flowing good coin.

I'm sorry for your friends experience, I'd like to think most people aren't that way.On the other side of the coin I just had this experience as a host.

However, posts like these are also necessary so that people can see other side of the coin and make an informed decision.

Ideally, you’ll want to talk with one who knows tax law as well, so you can get advice on both sides of the coin (structure and taxation).

So now with your $70k (from HELOC and selling Crypto) you have enough for a $280k house (75% LTV). 

@Susannah NationThe biggest mistake I see any investor make, whether it is real estate, stocks, crypto, is investing in some thing they do not understand.

I’ve got $20k in reserves in a high yield savings account, plus the usual mix of speculative crypto and blue chip IRA.