As for the rest of your 1099 income that you seek to use for real estate, I would suggest one of two things: 1) Put it in an index fund OR2) Put it in a savings account a bond index fundThe reason why I believe these are your two best options is that it sounds like you want to access this money in the short to medium term (within the next 5 years). 

Ultimately it depends on what your goals are.Randall, that sounds like a great plan.

And it sounds like we can expect bn $1500 and $2K. 

Sounds like you're already on track.

Sound like fun?

Hey Sage- Sounds like you have a good understanding of how to leverage and invest, now it's just a matter of committing to growth.

Sounds like a good one, Branden!

@Etan FrankelWhen you say "my first home", that sounds as if you intend to live in the property. 

It sounds like if you do get an offer accepted you will have Zero cash reserves.

I am hoping for a source for vetting or otherwise determining if a private lender is legitimate.Thanks for being available for this big stepRichard Murray Sounds like you are meaning Hard Money Lender.