I am surprised your friend can't scrounge up 5k from somewhere without paying 20%.

Given that we are entering into a period of global macro economic uncertainty and tightening monetary policy here in the states, its no surprise stocks are declining. 

We'll just spend the $1750 now and know it's done with no surprises.

I’ve transitioned myself out of daily operations at my small biz and have discontinued my med school education as I am rather certain I no longer want to be an Orthopedic Surgeon (much to everyone’s shock & surprise!!)...

You have to acknowledge FHA is for purchasing homes to be lived in, with no surprises typically that strap the new homeowner right off the bat or within the first 2 years of occupancy.The cost of this, also means you are usually not getting these home at any real discount because "the home must meet minimum standards.The alternative is searching for and purchasing a home using an FHA 203k loan, that must be worked on, that does not require the seller to make modifications prior to sale, and often are homes over looked by many other buyers.

We do not want to sell it and want to take out up to 35% equity ($840K) to pay off mortgage & estate tax, renovate, pocket $10K each, create an emergency fund, place up to 2 years of mortgage payments in escrow, and invest in flip and holds in Atlanta, Ga.Which type of loan should we take out?

I've been doing a small gift for the holidays and that seems to be a very pleasant surprise to my tenants.

We had decided that our offer was our final number and the call ended with the agent.Much to our surprise 20 minutes after the first call the agent called again and said that the seller accepted our offer??????

Yes you own the asset and you hope it appreciates, but if you have something happen and you didn't allow for funds to be put aside for an emergency repair, that $100 per month will be wiped out right away, however 100 per unit will give you 1000 a month on a 10 unit property, you would have enough funds in a few months for an emergency.

Super easy to deal with, other than getting a notary in Canada, which was surprisingly pricey.