Although I am smart enough to know this safety thing is just an illusion. 2.

That said, i am investing with money i can afford to keep invested - I'm under no illusion that this will pay off as a short-term investment.

Thank you all.Stephanie Hi Stephanie,Ill use an example below to help explain that:This is based off buying a $100,000 property to keep it simple.If you are buying your first home then you can get a conventional loan at 3% down (dependent that you have at least a 620 credit score and must be your primary residence)Down payment: $100,000 x 3% = $3,000Closing cost: Depends.

People think a W2 job is security, but it is really an illusion of security.

In many cases, you're helping along an illusion in someone's fragile mind, an illusion that can ultimately become very dangerous.Hope I'm not twisting your words, Joe.

Besides, health and security are illusions that can never be guaranteed.

I always cover all my windows with inexpensive window treatments for privacy and give the illusion of someone living there. 

I also don't think it's rude to be a little illusive in your answer.

I dont think it will be as obvious as last time, I think lenders are going to go into zombie zone to keep the illusion going, until they cant any longer. $950 x 4 = $3800 x 12 =$45,600 -35% =$29,640/5% = $592,800 Max Improved Value - 20% = $474,000 is where I would want to be for sure.

Sure, it's a newbie illusion and I realize that any successful investor has surely experienced the same the thrills and frustrations that go a long with 'taking the plunge' into REI.