I can compare GM stock to Ford or a Utility bond to a municipal bond, I can view risk that has been standardized to look at alternative investments.

When I find a deal I will often stock up on materials that I know I'll use but it has to be a really good deal (like half off).

Most of my savings are currently tied up in traditional corporate vehicles, e.g. stocks, 401K, IRA and brokerage accounts.I'm in my early 40s, purchase my 4th home last year and currently living in South OC with my beautiful family of four.I'm looking forward to your advice, direction and experience (both success and failure) in RE.Thanks for creating BP as a place to share!

Or, should I continue to invest in the stock market and wait for prices to go down?

@Jack Medfordwhat I can tell you is that after having experience with real estate investing and conventional investment products (stocks and mutual funds), I was just not comfortable recommending those types of investments that neither I, nor my clients had control over.

Its what us in the stock market call missed money.

That's why I wouldn't put a lot of stock in the "appraised value" that came with an agreed purchase price. 

I work closely with all kinds of investors as my company provides self-directed retirement plans enabling our clients diversify out of the stock market and invest into non-traditional assets.

& stock options.Thanks,

I was thinking maybe putting the money in a 50/50 stock/bonds account.