I'm a part time investor and bought house number three in June and I've been working towards creating a solid financial picture for banks to get traditional financing for a fourth buy and hold deal: paying down debt, saving six months reserves, filing taxes to show rental income to lower DTI,  and rehabbing (Higher HELOC appraisal)  It's been pretty quiet on my real estate front and I've been wondering if I should be more active trying to acquire house four through creative financing, or mailing yellow letters?

We have had mixes success with that but it is always our first choice.  

What's the mix between real estate and "traditional investments" in your investment (& retirement) portfolio, and why do you think that's the right mix?

Thank you for that advice...That is a great choice LaShawn! 

Whatever pre-fab units look good and fit the space and current styles are the right choice for me.

If you're buying a 5+ unit property, you don't have any choice - you're going to get a commercial loan.  

I just talk about what I have read and seen, its your choice whether you want to implement my words into actions or not.

The best way to avoid being taken advantage of would be to look for a very traditional bank loan.

Older homes were built to the code at that time  "     We are not responsible for your choice in furniture .  

The traditional investors here advise against negative or 0 cash flow.