My fear would be to lose a foot hold that i currently have in such a great area, in trade for a 4plex that might be a step back neighborhood wise.  

I am advocating, however, that there is great opportunity for them to be utilized in the real estate space, especially as a means to create counterparties for those who aren't eternally optimistic about the market and to bridge market-stalling bid-ask spreads with the physical asset, which would improve overall liquidity in the market.Your comments highlight the biggest frustration I experience as an alternative asset manager with one foot in finance and the other in real estate: both cultures have a dogmatically limited view on how things are done, which precludes each from dealing with the other in the ways required to pull real estate out of the dark ages.The first step is to educate real estate market participants on finance in general: how to qualify and quantify risk, the mechanics of options, etc.

ScottI know its common knowledge for everyone but,,,Of course make sure you have a traditional P shaped drain trap known as a "P Trap" and make sure it is installed properly so you have 1/4" per foot negative grade toward the sanitary tee fitting in the wall.A tight trap joint with no leaks assures a proper water seal in the belly of the trap to isolate any sewer gases or odors'To this day ,I go out on plumbing calls for complaints of odors and find fixtures without proper traps or vents sometimes in million dollar homes and businesses.Yeah,,,,,,go figure guys,,,,,Hope this helps DD

I then transitioned into wholesaling, mainly because once I got going, I got more deals than I could handle and had associates asking me to share some of mine with them, and I've had a robust wholesaling business for over 10 years now.The market for rentals is the strongest it's been since the 1960's, and based on trends, should continue to be strong for the next 10 to 15 years.If you don't think you can get the capital to do that, consider acting as a bird dog for the dominant wholesaler in your market.

Don't let the leads go to waste, but definitely don't shoot yourself in the foot.

We want to buy before so we can have a place when we get there, and having rental income now would be great to get our foot in the door for REI. 

What do they want in return for using their money.If I'm understanding what your question is....I would try robust my HELOC first and hopefully you got it at a good deal, i.e.

I am definitely a newbie with a foot in the door (I have currently purchased the home I live in, and a studio in town) but I would love to meet some people in person so I can gain more knowledge about how to better apply my income towards smart investments.I truly seek financial freedom, and I am willing to explore and put in time and effort to get there.Thank you!

Remember you want to put your best foot forward to get people's interest. 

Items to be complete:Framing of small 6 foot wall with door to make the master bathroom more private from the master bed room.