It's your choice and you appear to have chosen the employee route.

But usually, the appraiser has a choice of multiple comps.

Your choice as that could go either way.

I hope to network with like minded individuals.

I dont believe in buying individual stocks in an attempt to beat the market.

Our home (its single family twin with a bit more acreage) is currently valued at $480K.Also... finance as an individual or create a corp (we have an LLC now but for consulting/creative services).

Keep coming on here and talking to like-minded individuals...that will keep you going!

I am not saying that is a bad thing as you SHOULD be paid for your services, only to point out your opinionated statement does not come without bias.Alfred,If you are not "too hot" on retirement or tax deferred vehicles, you need to get hot as they are one of the greatest strategies/advantages to planning for retirement.I would NOT suggest you pull the cash out with your 20 month deferred plan as you will not only pay the marginal tax rate on the withdrawl, but you will also get hit with an additional 10% penalty.That said, you will basically end up with only 1/2 of your funds after taxes and penalties.I would strongly urge you to reconsider that course of action and educate yourself more on the subject, both right here on BP and any other sources such as books, news articles, programs, etc.If you are self-employed, I believe the solo 401k and now, the 401(a) plan to be a great choice over the SDI.For those you are not self employed, the SDI is a great feature, much more beneficial than IRA accounts managed by others who ONLY care about how many fees and commissions they can earn from you, regardless of the fact that you make or lose money.There are several legal and moral strategies to use qualified plan funds and benefit yourself outside of the plan all while benefiting the plan at the same time.

Hard money loans are loans from private individuals rather than banks.

Yeah, investing at a distance is not my first choice, but it's tough finding properties in my price range the SF Bay Area.