where were you when about 200 plus families in La I had to foreclose on and take their investment property from them.. its a nightmare I am not saying no debt its not realistic until you get to a certain level but having free and clear assets is a choice and no one can take them from you..I am a gambler anyway I gamble on appreciation every day.. and value add..so maybe I am not the best to have this argument with.but when I look at the truly wealthy friends I have and I mean truly wealthy  not 7 figures but 8 figure to 9 figure net worths most of what they have is paid for it not all.. unless they are in big syndicated deals.. houses are paid for second houses... house s at the ski areas the lake front homes.. etc etc.. but I guess I am just more in the limit debt camp for long term liabilities..

There are 2 main ways to cover thees costs: 1.

I’m going to college this year (graduating HS early) so it’s imperative I make these choices for my future as soon as possible.

Main problem here is that I don't have money for the down payment.I would really love any advice people might have for me.

Those neighborhoods on the west side are good choices.

But at some point down the road, we'd like to make real estate our main focus. 

I had spent the last year or so down there for my company doing the renovations to the old court house on East Main St. 

It is more economical to do it all at once.Winterizing often leaves you with some cracked fittings or faucets in the basement, which are easy to replace, but the main goal is to preserve the water heater, toilets and the in wall plumbing from frost damage.

If you're looking long term, it's the better choice.

I prefer it for two main reasons:1.