Alternatively, you can use cash to purchase distressed property in nice neighborhoods that would not otherwise qualify for traditional financing and/or the owner wants/needs to sell fast such that a 30+ day escrow to fund a traditional loan would not work ... in that case your only other competition would be from other cash offers, thus eliminating most of your competition from retail buyers.

@Tuesday Goodband if you aren't going to stay with the Berber choice, stay away from that, it snags very easily and can't be repaired.

It may save you more in the long run to refi with a higher rate to eliminate the pmi.  

Maybe it would be an easier sell if we make clear the costs of having one-third of a nation ill-housed - and explain how eliminating those costs greatly reduces the bill.

Reverse 1031 Exchanges can eliminate quite a bit of risk in the 1031 Exchange transaction process.

definitely trying to eliminate some drug problems.

My goal is to one day have enough cash flow to be able to easily afford to pay for a $3,000 mortgage on an $800,000 dream home I have my eye on in a neighboring suburb (I know it will appreciate in value) while still acquiring more propertie.

I know what you're thinking "expensive hobbies" but I found that with a little self control and some budgeting I can afford them pretty easily by sacrificing other non necessities, like cable or HBO etc, etc...

I have bought and sold my own properties and about 5 years ago, my wife became licensed so I have had the luxury of both abilities.On a $5000 commission, I can easily see a fsbo seller losing a $2k-$5k negotiation and there lies the risk.To the original poster, herevare my thoughts for your specific situation, get the best agent you can, sell it as fast as you can, break even orvtake a tiny loss and consider this thevprice o your real world re nvesting education!

In no particular order:Rule #1 Verify.Following this first step will eliminate, right from the start, the vast majority of the bad and unprofessional contractors.A professional contractor is a professional in EVERY aspect of their business.