People all over this forum are talking about how many thousands and millions they've made investing and you are worried about $25 late fee.I understand you are doing this for principle and not for $25.

Part of the problem is that it's much more difficult to "buy the market" in real estate, than the stock market.

They probably got there by spending far less they they earned and using this fuel to invest in projects that make as much or more than the market does with a 50/50 blend of stocks to bonds.  

@Marvin McTaw because $15,000 down would be a little over the principle balance and they're wanting the extra $5,000 to go back to them to use for repairs/improvements and not in my pocket.

Not comfortable with everything in stock market at all plus it was the only way to have a shot at this property!  

Mortgage info:balance: $139,614.07interest rate: 3.875%payment: $1,154.27 ($251.37 principle, $451.65 interest, $468.48 insurance and taxes)House:3br, 2.5 bath, 1637sq ft, full base partially finished basementhttp://www.zillow.com/homedetails/329-E-320th-St-W...Prices:Zillow: $161,455Realtor: $160k - 175kManagement Company I spoke with: $1,350-$1,450Originally I dismissed the idea when they gave me the quote for the rent and I put it up for sale.

., real estate, precious metals, notes, etc), and the remaining funds can be invested in stocks and mutual funds. 

People became millionaires off the stock because it kept splitting and splitting even though they made minimum wage per hour.

The second property is already underwater.If you want more liquidity, then put the cash aside instead of paying extra principle on the mortgages and HELOCs. 

It either goes to stock or I put all my money in the mortgage otherwise we'd spend it on food or home improvements.