If I can do that and establish myself with real estate and start generating cash flow, THEN I'd be comfortable with more traditional methods of leverage, however to start out I really don't want there to be any snags.I'm looking at a place like this:http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/6...Looks like a B average neighborhood?

Good day Bigger Pockets Community,I have do have a current scenario I wish to receive feedback on please (see below).I'm brand new to the community and to real estate investing.I recently stumbled onto this website and have be drawn in as I'm looking for alternatives to working for someone else and the traditional work hard and save mentality.I recently (after hearing in many podcasts) listened to the Rich Dad Poor Dad audio book and was blown away.I now realize that there are other ways.My mind is busy with possibilities but in the short term I plan on learning as much ongoing, getting involved with either bird dogging and or wholesaling hopefully evolving to flipping and or buy and hold in the eventual future.I started to make some contacts with contractors and a possible hard money lender just thru casual conversations.It's exciting, but I know I have alot to learn.I own a home in San Jose, CA and wonder about leveraging the possibilities of the equity I've built.Here are some numbers.Owned for 15 years2Bedroom 1Bath with a 2nd story loft 1090sq ftI Owe $290k on 30yr mortage at 3.375%Owe a non-bank 2nd to my mom for $13.8k at 3.375%Estimates on Zillow $550k and Trulia $623kI was wonder about trying to time this market.Robert Kiyosaki and others talk about a nearing market crash.In hindsight (and we know what they say about that) I could have sold in 2007 for these current prices and entered back in 2009ish at a vast discount.I considered selling back then and now see the opportunity that was missed.Appreciate insights.

I'll more than likely use my legal knowledge as a value-add for my real estate clients - more of a consultant than a traditional "agent," if you will.   

I now try to put in a 30-day close with a 21-day option period.Know the market, and know when to ignore the traditional formulas.

I wrote a post on the member blogs here, that should give you my angle on the difference between REITS and traditional real estate investing.

It does appear that Air B & B focuses more on temporary living & furnished lodging, rather than the traditional long-term rental home market.

Would you pursue traditional or private financing after?

Non traditional funding source?

What do you think about using a spread between HAI in high-end and low end areas (anywhere) as a gauge of how hot the market is (how much markets converge), in addition to traditional indicators?

I didn't want to have to go through the traditional appraisal process and deal with under wrighting.