I don't like the returns but we use regular savings accounts. 

While I doubt I'll be investing here (terrified that property taxes and the pension debt will ultimately cripple property values), I'm always interested in meeting new people.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

They get a higher return since they are covering housing cost, have the $250k per spouse primary residence deduction in gains, is a savings account, higher leverage position, lower interest rate possible, will pay more premium for location, etc.House might be overpriced for REITs but not for home owners.  

Thanks though champ  You didn't save him him, you just kicked the can down the road.

If the answer is yes, then it's a no brainer to make minimum payments on your 2.8% interest rate mortgage, and use the funds that you would have paid extra to pay it down faster, to either invest in more real estate, the market, or anywhere else where you can get a ROI > 2.8%.If the answer is no, then feel free to aggressively pay it down as fast as possible, to become debt-free faster, and just have a large amount of money in savings or to splurge with.The bottom line is that your 2.8% mortgage is GOOD debt.

The situation you are ultimately trying to avoid is the one where: the borrower defaults, you start foreclosure, the borrower fights the foreclosure and says they didn't understand the loan / could never afford to pay it / you didn't follow the consumer rules, etc, then the judge asks if you followed those rules and you can't show that.... 

This way, you can easily revisit details and pick up right where you left off.Avoid cutting corners to save money, as it often costs more in the end.

if you don't have enough cash for a down payment... save up until you do

But there are some basic bid issues owners are often unreasonable about:1) There really isn't time to get multiple bids- No heat during winter or ac during summer can often result in a municipal ticket or worse2) The job is too small to get bids- Estimated cost is $700 - how is saving 5-10% worth the time getting bids?