Does it make sense to rely on tax implications / benefits to justify this as a good investment?

Here are some tips and insights to consider as you begin building your real estate portfolio:Options:Refinancing: If you have equity in your condo, consider refinancing to access funds for future investments.Investment Loans: Explore options like conventional loans for financing future rental properties.HELOC: Depending on your equity and financial situation, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could provide flexible financing for down payments or renovations on new properties.Build a Financial Strategy:Budgeting: Create a detailed budget that includes mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs for your rental property.Cash Flow Analysis: Calculate expected rental income versus expenses to ensure positive cash flow.Emergency Fund: Set aside funds for unexpected repairs or vacancies.Research the Rental Market:Location: Choose rental properties in areas with strong rental demand and potential for appreciation.Tenant Profile: Understand the demographics and preferences of renters in your target market.Market Trends: Stay updated on rental market trends and local regulations affecting landlords.Property Management:Self-Management vs.

Thanks RalfRalf -I'm afraid you haven't given enough information here for me to completely and professionally answer your question.It depends on how the "company" is set up.If it's a sole proprietorship, then you would be technically lending funds to yourself.

Just a 50% equity list for a given area is pretty shotgun approach, so you may want to look into some lists that would have more motivated sellers. d4d, probate, tax, are a couple example of higher quality.

Here are some options and considerations:Loan Against Equity/ETFs:Margin Loans:Description: Margin loans allow you to borrow money using your investments (such as stocks or ETFs) as collateral.Pros:You retain ownership of your investments.Generally quick access to funds.Interest rates can be relatively low compared to other types of loans.Cons:Your investments are used as collateral, so if their value declines significantly, you may face a margin call (requiring additional funds or securities).Interest rates can vary and may be higher than traditional loans depending on the lender and your creditworthiness.Securities-Based Line of Credit (SBLOC):Description: Similar to margin loans, SBLOCs use your securities (stocks, ETFs) as collateral, but they typically provide more flexibility and may not trigger margin calls as easily.Pros:Allows for ongoing access to funds as long as your collateral remains sufficient.Interest rates may be competitive.Cons:Similar risks of potential margin calls if the value of your securities drops significantly.Terms and interest rates can vary widely among lenders.Comparison with 401(k) Loans:401(k) Loans:Description: Borrowing from your 401(k) allows you to access funds without selling investments, using your retirement savings as collateral.Pros:Typically low interest rates.No credit check required.Interest paid on the loan goes back into your 401(k) account.Cons:Usually capped at a percentage of your vested balance (commonly up to 50% or $50,000).If you leave your job, the loan may need to be repaid immediately or could be considered a taxable distribution.Potential opportunity cost of missing out on market gains if funds are withdrawn from investments.Other Alternatives:Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC):Description: If you own a home with equity, a HELOC allows you to borrow against that equity at typically lower interest rates than unsecured loans.Pros:Lower interest rates compared to other types of loans.Interest may be tax-deductible if used for home improvements (consult a tax advisor).Cons:Your home serves as collateral, so failure to repay could result in foreclosure.Personal Loans:Description: Unsecured personal loans can be used for various purposes, including investing, but typically have higher interest rates than loans secured by collateral.Pros:No collateral required.Funds can be used for any purpose.Cons:Higher interest rates and stricter eligibility criteria based on creditworthiness.I am a loan officer and we do some of the loans stated above.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage, research areas with potential appreciation, and work with a knowledgeable real estate agent.

Facts to consider: The condo is in my husbands name, has been for about 5 years so the capital gains taxes would be ours to pay upon sale.

I was originally just considering converting my IRA to Roth while it still makes sense with my income and current tax code before thinking about real estate. 

As a side note,  it doesn't seem like the margins are very good if you are spending $450,000 on the hard construction, still have carrying costs (debt service/loan origination, taxes, builders risk insurance and general liability) and have to include the subdivided parcel which presumably decreases the value of your current home.

With a $60/mo HOA(external maintenance not included with the exception of fencing) and 6.5% interest rate, my monthly mortgage (with taxes, insurance, HOA, etc)  will be around 2600/mo.