(No, I don't own a franchise or stocks...

Some general facts to consider about me: 1) Age: 25 2) Located in Houston, TX 3) Current net worth: $173,000 4) Debt: Primary Mortgage, no credit card debt 5) Income: Salary from work is $63,000 plus $1,500 a month in rent that I am currently getting from friends on a 3 bedroom condominium. 6) Liquid assets: about $15,000 worth of gold and silver at today's market price, $62,000 in liquid stocks that are not in a 401k or IRA.

That one includes advice not to put money in a 401k.I am a full time RE investor and I have converted 50% of my retirement savings that was in the stock market to self directed investments that are in RE.

Hopefully the emergency manager can do more house cleaning in order to get more professional, principled and energetic people into local government.

There are certain, basic principles that are the same across all states.

It's similar to a call option on a corporate stock.

Short barrel rifle: A rifle whose barrel length is less than 16" and/or whose overall length (stock extended to its fullest position) is less than 26".

You are also right in that your money is just sitting earning nada at times each month, but the payoff is appropriate.If you are looking to do hard money, you not only get the 12%-18%, but also points, adding to your bottom line and your money is almost always out there and not sitting.On the other hand, $1M will go a long way in apartments and can make for even better returns over the long ride as you get cash flow (dividends), forced appreciation, market appreciation, and tenants payind down your principle on your debt financing.

It needs to be less expensive (not the same price) than a heat pump otherwise I will stock with what I'm used to.

Would I rather earn 5% interest on $20k (that's basically what you do in the stock market)...or leverage my $20k (i.e. use it as a loan downpayment) into a $100k investment deal and earn 5% interest on that $100k (less the costs of setting up the deal)?