With this approach, you may maintain a small income while accumulating equity and offsetting housing expenditures.Investing in rental properties: In reasonably priced locations, you may purchase economical single-family homes or modest multi-unit buildings.

@Blair Bennett You need to calculate your Return On Equity ((Cash Flow + Principle Paydown + Projected Appreciation)/Equity).

Not only are you new to lending, but - even if it was a secured loan - I"m guessing based on the amount it'd be in second position.  

two years ago did a fox and flip and made great money but should have kept it because the equity was there 75k into 227k.

Looks like a great deal, and a very secure position for your lender.Only need two things to borrow money in Real estate: Note, security instrument. 

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I am interested in diversifying my investments away from public equities markets and am learning about a variety of real estate investment opportunities. 

For how long have you held that position? 

But for now I’m thinking of buying and holding, or partner up with another investor for fix and flips or other projects (In AZ).I bring positive energy, problem solving mentality, capital, time, management skills.

Classic example of imposing externalities on others. so the reasonableness of regulation depends on the context.so yes, your absolutist position is rubbish.