My girl friend at the time (now my wife of 12 years) and I borrowed money from family and bought a 3 bedroom fixer.

I keep all my property separate (llc or personal) I have several rentals now.we, or I, don't like DEBT. so overages = when I can pay cash or enough down.it helped that I moved from a city that 1-2bedroom condo started 450,000+ to a 4-5 bedroom single family for <200,000 townI am not like most investor here...

Might need to add some extra footage for the right feel on the master bedroom/bath combo.

I know multiple brand new officers who rent $1,300/month one bedroom apts (not including utilities) with additional $150/month garage fees.

I'll never forget the time a bird dog person contacted me on a lead on an 'abandoned' 2-bedroom sfr property.

Creative real estate deals are done by savvy investors all the time.

Then Ill look for more purchase near my original rental in the DFW area. 65k should get me a modest 3 bedroom 2 bath home (detached garage/port).

I already have a few creative ideas on my pitch to him, but wanted all of your guys input.

Have about $22, 000 in stocks ( 0% return 2011, 30% 2012), one bedroom condo in west rogers park bought at $ 39, 000 (now worth anywhere 30-40) with total net worth of approximately - $ 100, 000.

I am sure that one in a very similar situation could have found some other creative means to obtain the apartment building, still keep the 401k and have best of both worlds.Roth or traditional, a 401k or IRA is Not money in a hole in the backyard, it is a great tool that can be used to grow it using RE as the vehicle.