Check out:https://livebaltimore.com/financial-incentives/http://mmp.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspxDepending on where the property is, there is the Healthy Neighborhood program.

We can offer a healthy deal-flow - 10-20 properties a year. 

Generally, hard money lenders are going to require you to fund a healthy portion of the deal. 

we are a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 children) all healthy.

Assuming it's not one on going nightmare and I like the work the way I imagine I might, I have another financial event in 4 years that will leave me with a healthy chunk of of capital to make a bigger move.  

Private real estate helps investors temper the volatility in their portfolios because it’s immune to the daily shocks of trading.The value of a private real estate fund is based on the actual value of property held by the fund.

There is no sacrifice in doing #1 and not #2...the sacrifice comes when you do the opposite.We often talk about wanting more time with friends and family, or being more healthy, or more charitable, or having financial freedom, or whatever we say we want and then we make daily decisions that are completely disconnected from these goals. 

Not a sign of a healthy country

Always check and get your own numbers, what you see on Zillow etc is often wrong.And contrary to others here I see nothing wrong with a healthy down payment on your first property; as you become more confident your views will change.

It builds a healthy respect for the job as well as makes you realize when you are being played by a not so honest contractor.