Quote from @David Nathanson: This is a great question. 

In this market, is it wise to invest in real estate right now?

If you don’t mind living with other people, this is the easiest way to get into REI with little capital from you. 12 months after living in the SFH or multi unit, you can then look for another property and rinse and repeat.

Purchase price: $60,000 This was our first home.

So, this is why your lawyer may have estimated high.

@Myles NightingaleWelcome to the community and be ready for a huge amount of information at your finger tips.

I have the chance to do this right with an investment mindset.

I appreciate the suggestion to explore materials beyond cedar—I'll definitely consider other options that might suit the look I want to achieve.

It's a great opportunity to be here and one thing that brought me to this community is the idea that we will not swindle grandma but we want everyone to benefit from our deal.

Use this experience to work out the kinks and build a strong, reliable team.