Most people are under the false illusion that over time their 401(k) will grow and grow and grow.

But remember that cash flow is an illusion based around the amount you put in as an investment. 

Paying all cash and then feeling like you have awesome cash flow is an illusion....you just pre-paid your cash flow and are paying yourself back

If it's "almost" three years you're still in the window to sell and get tax free.Unless you're on site almost 24/7 the feeling of control of an asset is more an illusion than a reality. 

Those 17% who use them(free) learned about what they can do and what is illusion.

Ill use the HELOC to obtain my first BRRRR project.I'd like to secure a 150k HELOC from them. 

Most of us are after that illusive passive income.

You guessed it...your pocket, and you are now substantially in the red...as in losing "your" money.Calculating a return on your investment using "%'s", and "feel good" risk controls, is an illusion...and this property is a terrible investment.

A sustained bull run increases downside potential but it gives many people the illusion of safety.

You get the illusion that you are making progress, but how would you know?