I know that the general guidance is that emergency funds aren't to be invested, but given our financial security and the fact that we already have a personal e-fund in a safe, non-volatile location, would it still be crazy/unwise to invest this 15k in an S&P500 index fund in a brokerage? 

Loan Security: The property will serve as collateral for the seller-financed loan.

Just ensure any updates comply with Pennsylvania laws and are handled transparently.

.- Inspections: Some programs require annual property inspections to ensure compliance with their standards, which can occasionally be demanding.- Damage Risk: As with any tenant, there’s potential for property damage.

Maybe if you had a good, secure location to store things you could pre-order stuff you think you might need for your next project(s) and stockpile it.

Next, plan on inspecting your properties every 90 days; you can communicate this to the tenant as you ensuring the property is in good order and to help you plan for repairs/future improvements. 

If you plan to invest in a syndication as a limited partner (LP), ensure the structure allows for direct ownership in real estate (e.g., through a Tenant-in-Common (TIC) agreement), as partnership interests are specifically excluded from 1031 exchanges under IRC 1031(a)(2)(D).

However, it’s important to ensure that the deed is properly recorded with the county recorder’s office to make the transfer official.

With the future being so uncertain I realized there was a need to do more than just rely on my job for financial security. 

Depreciation is another powerful tool, allowing you to deduct a portion of your property’s value annually.Action Step: Keep detailed records of all expenses and consult a tax professional to ensure you’re claiming every deduction you’re entitled to.3.