. :) It is amazing how many tools are available today.

Often times it seems newbies get into the loan space only to find out they need more tools than the latest greatest guru seminar told them about which is roughly a FC attorney and some form letters.  

2 Points:@Dalton Hirst I sent you a Portal, great tool for property access that we can both use.

@Vina Real a self directed IRA can be a great tool to build your wealth with significant tax advantages. 

Two different strategies, you can't mix them but both can be very powerful tools helping you build your wealth. 

@Chris Porter Definitely take advantage of your VA loan, great tool to house hack. 

Be sure to utilize all of the great tools and connections with fellow members.

I've heard several times that landlord references are the absolute best tool for tenant screening, but part of me hopes this is not actually the case given that we didn't find it to be all that helpful in screening out the one bad tenant we did had. 

The issues couldn't be seen without putting gauges on the a/c etc and running diagnostics which I'm not qualified to do nor do I have the tools. 

So to summarize, gold/silver, and rental properties are what I see as the best investments for the coming few years, just account for additional vacancies and depreciation in the property value, and recognize gold/silver as a tool to hedge against economic downturn rather than a money maker.