In that case you may have to back out of the deal and jeopardize your future relationship with the asset manager of the bank (if that is where you're getting the deals from).

The local housing authority is telling me that the tenants are not eligible for rent increases until their recertification is due.

once these factors are evaluated I would consider using the value to invest in real estate as long as your beneficiaries are capable of managing the assets if you die.

OMG, skip the stock market at all costs, unless he likes to gamble and rely on others to determine his future.Take serious courses in commercial real estate, then pick an asset class with the best current track record in a great market (NOT Las Vegas, MI, etc.) and plop down the 20% down payment on a mobile home property.

Agree with Brian and Chris comments that gold is at quite high level and I would invest in destressed assets over overhyped ones any day.But taking a step back, you mentioned you used up most of your cash and only work parttime If I was in this situation I would sell the gold and put the cash in bank account because I want to have some reserves in case something happens.Just my 2c

I'm really just struggling with the differences on the asset protection side.

"they owe the bank $295,000"NO according to YOU she is on title but not the mortgage.If that is true she owes NOTHING to the bank.She just has a partial ownership by title with a property that is underwater in value.Even if it forecloses she can milk some more months as a "tenant at will" before the bank can get her out.Usually they will offer "cash for keys" for her to move.This time of year with court delays for evictions it would most likely take the bank awhile to get her out.She could always try to get the husband to sign an "authorization to release" from giving her the authority to speak about the loan to her.With an underwater house most owners/tenants just care about the mortgage payment.Example house was worth 200k but now worth 130k.Mortgage payment is currently 1,600 but owner/tenant wants payment of 1,100.The bank might readjust the loan payments rather than foreclose and take a big loss.It depends on what type of loan it is and who owns it and workout options.If you bought it for cash at foreclosure then she could stay as a tenant and you have her sign a lease and she rents from you.The details will be based on a state by state basis with time lines and risks involved.She could try to buy the note at a discount or get an investor to try to purchase it on a short sale and rent to her etc.The confusing part of your statement is you said she had 150,000 cash but yet recently filed bankruptcy.Are your sure the husband didn't file bankruptcy and she received the money from the proceedings??

In fact, he is one of the main reasons I've changed my views on "debt" - lock in fix rate debt attached to high yeilding asset (rentals).

I have had a short sale approved and closed in 10 days.I guess I should clarify -- I don't know for certain that it's the listing agent who did the negotiations, but he's the one who seems to be asking for information and passing it on to the asset manager.

Professional Asset Management & Sales 2201 North Collins, Suite 240 Arlington, TX 76011 Office: (682) 558-8900Fax: (682) 558-8901