I'm wanting to get into real estate investing, and wondering about the pros and cons of private placements via RealtyMogul (or similar) versus buying directly.Ideally, I'd like to be as passive as possible, but trying to weigh that with the returns of purchasing directly. 

For example you may choose to invest in a distressed C class property where you can rehab and close within 60 days where inventory is low versus investing in a B class property that may sit for 90, 120 days where inventory is high or vice versa..

Paying off the line is a guaranteed 6.5% return on your 30k (since you wont be paying it anymore) versus a possible 5-7 in the stock market which could even go down while you are looking for your next deal.

The hard part of this decision is that I can only purchase one of these in CA with 20% down, versus going out of state and being able to get 3 through someone like Memphis Invest.

It's the next big race versus the internet boom in the 90's.

On other threads about the Fortune Builders Mastery Program many respondents mention that there are other programs that provide the same information for $500 - $2000 versus $50k.

With the housing prices high it does seem like an OK time to build versus buy, but man something about building a brand new house for the purpose of STR still bugs me...On the plus side I figure I don't have the time to deal with all the things that require maintenance on older houses and I figured if we build new on this lot we get a decade of little to no maintenance.

Look at percentage of income with gym membership versus residuals ( personal training income, selling of supplements and vitamins, special event classes,etc.).    

I’m not sure if there is much of an opportunity as an investor but I’m thinking if I can offer options, when he’s ready to sell, he may consider me and my options versus paying a realtor to get market value.

Go find a screaming deal first and then worry about a commercial loan versus a residential loan.