Ty, be careful how much emphasis and stock you put in the buzz words you hear in the flashy articles and ads.  

@Stephen SeaberryDiscount rates are primarily used as a means for valuing dividend and interest paying securities (i.e. stocks, bonds, preferred stock, etc.)

I don't put so much stock in foreign investors driving up the market. 

I think this is also reflected in the general economy/stock/real estate prices. 

If you are interested in buying paper assets (i.e. stock, bond, debt securities, etc.), RealtyShares will be better choice than Lending Club in my opinion.Linda

So,The big picture: My father is going to take a heloc out on his house in order for us to purchase and renovate a property and then we are going to use my personal first time home buyer, to purchase the house with a mortgage and pay off the portion of heloc used.My credit is ok (650ish) but I have no money since my entire check goes into maxing out 401k and company stock plan.

But it is a cash-flowing investment as good as any rental or any other return like stocks.

.- get out of 401k and stock market, and get into self directed Ira.

The dark stain--which looks great on the deck--makes them visually go away, even given the contrast against the white siding.I would do the exact same treatment on the back porch, with one railing and newel post.Stair builders or maybe even a local cabinet shop would be your source, and shouldn't be expensive at all, since it's all stock materials.

I have read books at the library about real estate investing, stocks, and entrepreneurship etc.