You have an advantage by knowing the guy and knowing it's well maintained.

If I were just starting out and had created that much equity, I think I'd use it to buy a multi and move into it, to take advantage of owner occupied financing.I'm assuming you live in the property you are rehabbing, and if it's in Stoneham, it's a sought-after town.There are two ways to tap into this equity: A HELOC, or sell the property.

The one advantage of that is that you are mitigating your risk with partnering in terms of capital needed and the risk thereof.

I also felt they were taking advantage of my kindness.

If the answer is yes, do it sooner rather than later so that you don't lose buyers over it and so that you can use it to your advantage.

Welcome Andy, You certainly have an advantage as a contractor because you can generate estimates for rehab before you even put in an offer.

We are getting ready to purchase our first investment property, a single family house to rent, using a self-directed Solo 401 K.

At first I was leaning toward having checkbook control, but the cost for a c...

The biggest advantage is time! 

That's a huge advantage she has over other areas of the country.

Of course mortgage pay down is an advantage in real estate.