Extremely clear criteria (make sure they are realistic for the market you've chosen, or you'll quickly see you need to look a little further afield)2.

I'd guess you did the pricing, not the agent, or you had chosen an agent to support your pricing.

You can go either direction, but may be driven by availability in your chosen market.

It was a painful experience to have this totally unexpected attack on my character and competency on a day when I could have chosen to be enjoying my family out on the lake.

I am thankful for all those members on BP who rely upon me and choose/have chosen to work with me in their desire to find a good income property or a potential flip.  

Most landlords do not allow subletting because they have not screened the person you have chosen to sublet to.

You can open and SDIRA or Solo 401k (if you qualify) with checkbook control cutting out the middle man and invest in alternative assets like Real estate, crypto, etc...only restriction is collectables.   

Here are some factors to help you make an informed decision:SDIRA vs. e-QRP:SDIRA (Self-Directed Individual Retirement Account):Allows for a broader range of investment options, including real estate.Provides more control over investment decisions.Requires custodial services, and there may be fees associated with the SDIRA provider.Strict rules and regulations to ensure compliance with IRS guidelines.e-QRP (Enhanced Qualified Retirement Plan):Similar to a 401(k) but with enhanced features for greater flexibility.Generally, more streamlined than SDIRA with fewer administrative requirements.Allows for real estate investments, business investments, and more.May offer more control and fewer restrictions compared to SDIRA.Financing Considerations:Both SDIRA and e-QRP can be used for financing, but the terms and conditions may differ.Check with your chosen custodian or plan administrator to understand the borrowing rules and any potential penalties.Tax Implications:Understand the tax implications of using retirement funds for real estate investments.Consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance and to minimize any adverse tax consequences.Market Conditions:Consider the current real estate market conditions in the location where you plan to buy the beach house.Evaluate potential risks and rewards, especially in the context of your investment horizon.Long-Term Strategy:Since you're planning to work for another five years and potentially sell the house later, ensure that your investment aligns with your long-term financial goals.Interest Rates and Economic Conditions:Monitor interest rates and economic conditions, as they can impact the timing and profitability of your real estate investment.Professional Advice:Consult with financial advisors, tax professionals, and legal experts to get personalized advice based on your specific financial situation and goals.Due Diligence:Perform thorough due diligence on the property, renovation costs, potential rental income, and local market trends.Remember that real estate investments, especially with retirement funds, require careful planning and adherence to regulations.

FAST FORWARD 10 YEARS.. 2027...the 2 'buy and hold' single family homes you bought will have more than doubled in value and your carefully chosen SMALL local in your backyard commercial project will be a successful part of the community and YOUR business relationships will have introduced you TO SO MANY MORE OPPORTUNITIES.Knowing this... which path will give YOU AND YOUR FAMILY the best quality of life and really get you to the best place in 2027?

Have you chosen a lender you want to work with already?