With multifamily you can do passive investing and get double digit returns with not much work other than vetting the sponsor and the deal. 

Working towards building up but dont want to depend on those 3 digits to get my next deal. any tips on getting into next property?

Good future resource with a digital library. 

If the criteria to be a private money lender is no fees, 100% LTV, single digit interest rate and minimal underwriting then they are certainly not that.I think they are both, hard money lenders because they weigh the hard asset as collateral for the loan way more than borrower's credit and income when making the lending decision; and private money lenders because loans are sourced from private party funds.I know folks that refer to themselves as private party lender that charge more fees and interest than other folks I know the call themselves hard money lenders.

I own two companies, Rewind Memories (digital conversion company) and That's Crisp (boutique design agency).

I have a 7-day digital thermostat that costs 1/4 as much and only requires me to touch it four times per year [ 1) turn the auto heat setting on at the beginning of winter and 2) off at the end of winter; and then 3) turn the auto cooling setting on at the beginning of summer and 4) off at the end of summer].

Then save up until I have enough to invest again.On the other hand, if I know how to invest in real estate, where I can consistently make double digit rates of return, often over 20%. 

I see double digit inflation in our futures.

I figure if they can't enter a 3 digit extension, there is no way they will ever be able to fill out a check with 4 digits.My voice mail covers everything they need know about the property like "the deposit is non-negotiable."

I take high-res digital photos of all junkers I put under contract, and I send a mass email, with links to the pics in photobucket.