Borrowing money from grandma is not wise, nor is borrowing money from a hard money lender or cashing out equity in your primary home to generate a down payment on an investment.Do the hard work.

As far as returns compared to stocks, you left out appreciation and tax advantages. 

Once you answer a few questions about what you're looking for, you'll see your matches and then you can compare everything from their experience, licenses, ratings, reviews, etc.

I'm looking to connect with other investors, lenders, agents, and attorneys to help me learn and grow.

Toledo’s median home list price of $200,000 is less than half the national average while price volatility has been muted compared to the wild fluctuations in much of the country.

I ask them how that compares to how they actually executed for that month.  

Or am I speaking with a wrong lender?

So if there are a lot of home sales but limited log cabin sold comparable sales it may hurt your value.

New construction is a whole other animal in its self and is in no way comparable to flipping.

Time adds clarity and keeps you off your therapist's couch.I also suggest to anyone in real estate to constantly be pushing the line of credit envelope with your lender.