@John Nelson, Being naturally paranoid, I find comfort in simple explanations.

Just depends on your time and comfort level.

I closed one today.. in Charleston but that is rare for me.. too much throwing stuff up on the wall and see what sticks from those folks. granted they can bring some deals.. but anyone contacting me wanting to put me on their buyer list I really don't respond to.What ever happening to apprenticing in the industry to build up capital and experience I guess the internet has given this illusion.now granted in some markets were you can trade houses like your trading cars it can be done.but in the higher priced markets pretty darn tough without some expeirnce and some jingle in your designer jeans.

Hi @Farhad Shir if you haven't already found someone your comfortable with I would recommend you reach out to @Daniel Hyman.

The recent resurgence in property values force single family homes to stretch our budget higher than we are comfortable with.

My business is comfortably successful, as in I don't have to work extremely hard to pay my bills.  

The issue is that both lenders will only take a 1st position mortgage so that won't work.As Jaysen said, $19k isn't too much.  401k loan maybe if you're comfortable with that?

I am a marketing director/graphic designer who has always loved interior design.

Annette in my opinion it boils down to security and risk and your comfort level in those two areas. 

So, we already are willing to sacrifice some comforts.