The point is, both of those numbers are respectable (18k or 19k) and that 20k in extra purchase price barely affected my return.So yes, you can pay retail and still make money.

The other thing (going back to my interview) is that while they may tell you that the extra courses will pay for themselves via flips and wholesales.... that $50k is buying more than just education and mentor ship.

If you have an IRA with sizable amount in it - there are many legitimate ways to invest while earning a handsome returns, you just need to consider little different approach. 

It's not earning it's keep where it is and is losing you thousands on lost opportunity every month. 

I also got an extra job. 

It is in the same shape as before.The appraisal came in at $155,000 and will cause me more than $5000 extra in downpayment that I was not prepared to pay.

So my initial strategy was to have my loan repayment be as low as I can (income-based) and use that extra money to invest.

Build in the 1940s by a tradesman with his extra lumber or something. 

Assignment fees are earned income. 

There are extra features that will increase the value of the house so the range of ARV's can vary.