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.  

Further, the property may qualify for larger loans based on the increased cash flow ability to service debt.  

Usually draw fees are very minimal though and if you plan them right, it can be a great way to replenish your cash or pay down debt from rehab.

If you take a loan to pay for your mother-in-law you are taking on that debt in your name.

In my case I sold off appreciated properties in a location I deemed as having limited future upside, and used the proceeds to eliminate all debt on the better located prime properties I wanted to keep long term.

You do need to have steady employment, decent credit, and not be drowning in debt.

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

Taking the higher of the two, that's 52k in debt service for 12 months.

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

Not only was my market timing great, but I sold my less promising buildings and used the proceeds to pay down debt on my long term keeper properties, which have higher end tenants and are thus more stable and much easier to manage.