The 16 unit was listed at 635k and we got it at 540k because we negotiated seller-financing (5yr term/30yr am with option at Year 5 to extend another 5 yrs) The seller required us to bring 120k down, which we raised as private loans (secured by contractual personal notes) from friends and family, and two of those 0% interest for 12 and 18 months credit card check offers totaling 20k (which we have mostly paid off in this first year).

Next time be pickier with the neighborhood and the condition of the house - and never trust the realtor to collect security deposits from the seller if buying with tenants already in place Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Sounds like you and your husband are well on your way to financial security, congratulations on what you've done so far, you should be proud!

Make sure to agree on all of the roles, duties, decisions and money then see an attorney to draft all the documents and security instruments for the funds. 

I am looking to secure a stable financial future for my family. 

It's my first toe-dip into house-hacking and I just know that in my prior rental experiences, the Hold Fee wasn't a full month's rent amount, it was a % that then got applied towards the remainder of the Security Deposit.Does everyone else request the full Security Fee amount as the Deposit to Hold?

I’ve been able to secure private loans at 100%.  

If it was you, what securities would you want on your money?

If it gets to closer to the end of the month and you havent sealed the deal then yes, try a promotional offer off the 1st month rent or security deposit.  

@Andrew Carlson I think you are combining two separate things: 1. tax advantaged retirement accounts and 2. investing in publicly traded securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, etc).