You should be taking the 50k out to beat the returns of the silly stock market by studying real estate.

What I would like to know, is if there is a forum that is just like this one, but is instead dedicated to investing in the market, like stocks, mutual funds, etc.

We invested exclusively in the stock market until last year. 

I am happy with a 6-8% ROI each year on a cash deal rather than having it sit in the bank or the stock market.

@Jason Ma,@Sam @Sam Manoo is absolutely spot on.

You are spot on!

This is my first post and looking for advice. i am currently financially in a pretty good spot.

Google Sheets FTW, here plug in the numbers and see if that DTI box is red or green, boom there's your answer.You will spot a REI non-friendly lender in about 2 seconds when they start telling you about how the rental income from the property you are purchasing needs to  be on your tax returns to count that rental income.

Actually, our ideal spot for buying a house this past year was the area between Middletown & Burkittsville... but we couldn't afford the house and acreage we wanted there, so headed 15 minutes west over the mountain.  

Monthly payment at 1265.Eyeing a local duplex,  good spot in a developing down town with some nice features including fenced backyard and garage.