Very nice guy, seems knowledgable.We have had a few issues and I think from now on I will try to work locally first, I think things would have went smoother.Oddly enough I chose this person because they have a big presence on a forum I read alot and I felt safer with them than with a local person I didn't know at all, sort of opposite of your situation.As for giving out your info, I think the only way to safeguard it is to subscribe to a credit monitoring service that lets you check your credit on a regular basis.

Wouldn't investing in a property that would provide rental income be a better solution than just buying a piece of land and hopefully selling it for more in the future?

We would like to refinance, pull out some equity in cash, and make our next investment, but are currently stuck because of no liquid cash, yet now is one of the best times to buy.Any creative solutions you can think of?

He will have to wait a few months for his money but after word he can then just hold a note, (whatever you negotiate)if there is anyway to make him a 25% equity partner, or bring in a note buyer to assume the gap.I am sure there is a solution to be worked out with out going the conventional financing way!

I tell them that when a seller calls us, it's obvious that they want to sell their house and I am going present them with every possible solution I can.

Another simple solution is a seller carry back and then refi.

After learning his situation I quickly came up with the best available solution.

Having the efax phone number for people to fax to was really the larger concern - I can control when I fax out but I can't control when someone faxes in so this solution (any internet fax) was right for me.

Not only do you stand to pay interest and penalties, but the greater risk you run with your inexperience makes it even more likely that you'll lose some/all of your retirement funds.If you were in your 20's, or if you had a nest egg outside your 401k, I'd say go for it, but given your situation, you should reconsider the 401k solution.

The solution is to work you butt off so that you do have some money.