When I reached a milestone in my real estate career, I received a hand written note from the CEO in Texas.  

Are you making milestone payments as work is completed, or did you pay him in full up front, or something in the middle?

It's definitely feels surreal to be my age and on the way to achieving such a big milestone for most people. 

All of our contractors have clear payment milestones that have to be met before payment is released. 

I think it’s like a JOC contract, like line item bids/contracts. but i don’t believe it needs to be after the job is completed, maybe milestones or can bill for completed work. if the company does volumes, and credible, then most likely they run the show and you play by their rules, or… just go away and cater to others. 

Implement an air tight contract and only release payment as work is completed (set a milestone payment schedule).

I’m open to exploring both the HELOC and a 401K loan, especially since I’m not getting any younger and financial independence is the next major life milestone I’m pursuing. 

Congratulations on your early success and cheers to more milestones along the way!

I didn’t have a milestone I met or anymore goals to reach.

The other important thing to have in place is a team on the ground (PM, agent, contractor, lender, etc.) that can help you hit all the important milestones.