Back then, over a year ago, I had nearly all my extra money in stocks.

On my other home I would like to start the house should be permitted and looking for licensed contractors that can give a fair bid and look for long term work.  

This project will add about 550 sqft of extra living space. 

Is it worth the extra ~5k plus LCC fees 2.

The condo has 9 years left of a 15 year at 3.5% Only costs I see with condo (other than the 23 extra a month) are yearly assessments from HOA, home appliance replacement, AC replacement, and a month here and there searching for a renter.

For this reason you may want to stick extra money you have into a publicly traded reit instead of trying to buy real estate right now.The way around this loan dimemma would be to have someone (like a friend or family member) co sign the loan, which means if you don’t pay the debt they’d be liable for it.

But if you do that, you need to be extra careful to get very good deals so you're built-in equity protects you from downturns and you don't get overleveraged.

The other person doesn't have an extra 200K lying around to make good, or2. 

The books would only really be excuse or an extra motive to get together.I think I know at least one other person that may be interested.

Having them obtain a permit also connects them to the job.