You can pay him at the closing, usually with certified funds if you do not have a previous relationship with him, or you can simply purchase his agreement prior to closing and you are the party executing.  

In the alternative, instead of funding a 529 plan, you could purchase a rental property now and use that to fund college.  

Never tried the crowd funding site.

I have the dream truck I want and don't have the desire to spend on a vehicle.  

I took out a $25k mortgage and sold 2 cars to get started.  7 figures of business later its definitely paid off.Regardless of who it has and has not worked for, this is a very personal decision with no wrong answer.Is your desire to create a life you want greater than your fear of losing that money and more? 

I pay private lenders 10-18% Installment contracts and notes funded by equity are not the same as cash funded loans Ned, many states have 10% on these types of loans, some float with a stated index. 

Anyone heard of or dealt with a new program called "Funding for Flipping"?

One of my biggest problems, outside of finding funds for a down payment, is figuring out how to get around occupying the residence for the first year.

I am working with Streamline Funding out of Austin TX for my HML.I have my first property under contract and just finished the inspection.I will keep everyone posted on how things go.The reason for me starting this discussion is because, I have been apart of this forum for over a year and some of the questions I had about the estimated costs of getting your first deal started, were never answered.For example, Earnest Money ($2000), Inspection ($275), Appraisal($406), Closing cost($3000), having to put money into escrow for construction cost ($4000).This is all for a hard money loan.These are thing I am learning as I move forward.

ARV – Desired Profit – Closing Costs to Buy – Repairs – 10% of Repairs – Holdings Costs – Concessions – Realtor Fees – Closing Costs to Sell = Your Offer (MAO or Maximum Allowable Offer).ARV: After repaired value or what you think it will sell for once repaired.Desired Profit: This should be taken off the top first.