I lean toward the idea of never paying more than 50% equity into something if I can utilize than money somewhere else. 

An under-utilized approach to REI...two off the top of my head are ZER and XER, though have also been watching REI.UN, which offers ~6% return just from dividends alone.

This five properties are all right next to each other and makes an "L" shape.

This five properties are all right next to each other and makes an "L" shape.

Also, in FL at least they give more room for units where you pay the utilities.

, talking up all five properties and offering $2500/property commission that I asked for on the one, accepting my offer, and offering $20k total if I sell all 5 for him as a buyers agent, he had a RE attorney and title company already. 

I figured it would just be a blind shot for me to pick and thought of you since I live in La Habra, CA just about 5 minutes from your office in Fullerton.

I live in Greensboro, about 60-90 minutes north, and am in Charlotte a couple times a month for meetings.

Another item to consider in your plan is often times the utilities are not going to be separate, which may not be an issue when you live there but if you end up renting out your dwelling when you PCS elsewhere, your new tenant is not going to pay for their utilities plus the accessory dwelling unit.

I've got a purchase agreement all filled out, I just need to call my termite inspector to come over, and he can be here in 30 minutes or so and we can wrap this up.Him: Uh, how about I make it $26,000 and you skip the termite inspection?