Pay off own home or invest in real estate?

[Jelani Tate]

Is it better to pay off your own home or start putting aside money for investing in real estate? I have been a home owner for 8 years and I have always paid an additional ~10% of the monthly mortgage every month towards the principal of the loan. Any thoughts to whether or not this plan will help achieve financial independence sooner, or should I put this 10% into building a real estate fund? True and honest opinions are always welcome. Thank you, Jelani

[Rich Weese]

I remember when I first got into real estate nearly 100 years ago, I had a very wise broker that opened my eyes with a very simple comment. He said his strategy was to get $1 million in debt. In 1970, $1 million represented a gigantic amount of debt! His reasoning was as follows:

He wanted to be able to have $1 million in real estate debt and be able to service that debt possibly without any positive cash flow.. It was during the time, when 5 to 10% inflation was very possible. On paper, he would be able to make $50,000-$100,000 annually on increase in value of the property he had debt on. in that timeframe, the amount he was making on paper was significantly higher than what people were making on annual salary.

With that thought in mind, I would lean towards the content of leverage is King. I would also point out that you did not give enough of your current status as to strategy, risk tolerance, age, income currently, etc. etc. etc.

There are different options available for a private residence. You always have the ability to pull cash from that property by way of refinance. If you are flexible, you also have the ability to sell that home for a profit every two years tax-free and invest that money. I was able to do that numerous times during my estate building years.

Once you are able to answer many of the questions I stated above as to risk tolerance etc., it would be easier for others to give you suggestions as to which way they would go. It is always possible to make up for a mistake when you are younger than when you are looking closer to the retirement years. That would make a difference also.