And if there are enough properties being worked on, it might be worthwhile to share the cost of a security person/off-duty or retired cop to make rounds all night, in addition to alarm systems in each house.

That's extreme.Tom, as you are a retired soldier, I'd like to thank you for being one of those people willing to face the fire and put your life on the line in defense of this political system.

Thanks 4 the input I will let you all know what happens.I'm a little more optimistic about this deal because the seller is out of state & the tenant that was occupying the house has had to be admitted to a retirement home (dementia) so the home is unoccupied @ the moment.

@My Lo,First, if you have a 401k with your current employer you are most likely not going to be able to do it, typically current employer 401k can't be rolled over until you are either no longer employer or reach a retirement age.If your 401k is with the past employer then you are free to move those funds into another retirement account.

Talk to local banks and explain what you want to do, and work with them.For the reserves question, any cash or liquid asset (including retirements accounts) can be used as reserves.I would also make sure that you can rent out your house and actually make money when you factor in all your costs, including maintenance, capex, vacancy, etc. 

Those stagnant days are long gone and it scares me to no end to think that I would have to punch a clock until retirement time.  

Unfortunately my prior partner retired so the flip is with my former handyman who has opened his own business.

Or should I not make a loan without those terms included anyways, no matter what the LTV % is.You will always be on a recourse basis with two exceptions, when it is not allowed by law (as with retirement funds) or when you can show you don't need the money at all. :)

Never stop saving for your retirement - believe me, the days/years pile up and you're there before you know it... you win if you have resources to live generously when you are no longer working at a job. 

My neighbor told me once that he was moving in less than a year to his retirement dream home in Canadian lakes, MI.