If you allow her to do that then she'll probably never be able to afford to pay the deposit back plus rent.

With a $20,000 down payment, what kinds of real estate could I reasonably afford with my goals?

I'd really encourage you to start small....a low-end rental, or mid-price flip where you don't have any financial exposure you can't afford to lose.

I want to start small with a 10K down payment on something so I'll need a market place that's affordable; either within an hour of NYC or somewhere else in the country that I can can travel to for investment purposes.

If you can afford it, it comes with no PMI and less fees.

It would make it a more desirable area, and since my rents are lower, I'm targeting people who probably can't afford the luxury apartment, but like to live close to it.I also have a duplex in Delaware, OH, a smaller community.

So I can't afford to quibble.

If you are buying for pleasure but need the income because you can't afford it solely for pleasure, then you can't afford it.Vacation there and rent a place until you can afford to purchase only for pleasure.

I don't think he can afford anything more then 700.What do you think I should do with the unit that's paying 825?

I'm happy to spend on consumption, when I can afford it, and when my wife and I are being honest with ourselves.