Cash or Finance: which is best if you have the cash?

[Peter Jetson]

As I embark on this RE journey, I see on the forum that most people take it for granted that financing is the way to go. What if you have enough cash to purchase a property, are only getting deferred tax benefits from losses, and are well over 50 (meaning cannot wait 30 years to get cashflow)? Clearly you can always multiply your purchase power with leverage, but is there a case for buying cash? For one, it puts you in a favorable negotiating position which could translate into a better deal. Any other views?

[Steve Vaughan]

I like cash especially on non-bankable houses. Too many repairs but good bones.  Discounts in excess of 20%, much more if inherited or the seller is facing time deadlines.

No banks, no 'partners to check with', no messing around. Word gets out that there's a guy that buys these things...  Then I refi later if I want to.