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The demand to “Go Green” is becoming more prevalent in rules passed at the federal, State, and municipal levels. However, there is a great deal of confusion about the process it takes to go Green. In full application, Green business require sweeping changes including building construction, water and energy usage, interior design, and sustainable practices in the use of resources. The cost of changes on many levels can be prohibitive, and hinder the adoption of Green policies in many building.

The best place to start is to with the simple and affordable levels of janitorial and office practices that can be modified without a serious overhaul of the company. Let’s face it. Going Green can be a huge financial outlay that may not be reasonable for many businesses. Certifying a Green Building can be a progressive and affordable task that turns any building into a Green Building that benefits the community.

The Green Clean Institute offers a Green Building certification under its federal trademark through a simple Green Survey that starts with a transition to a Green certified janitorial service. The janitorial service is the initial stage is the easiest and best step in creating a Green building. The Green Survey is a simple first step that allows buildings and offices to voluntary go Green in simple stages that require little or not cost to the company.

Get more information about Green Building certification at www.GreenBusinessLeague.com. Download a copy of the Green Survey, and start the program that can get your facility a Green Building certification in a month’s time. This is not a rubber stamp program. It requires that the cleaning service provide Green products and practices in the cleaning of the facility.

Month by month, the program introduces affordable steps that allow the building to transition to Green operation in a year’s time. Green Business League gives recognition to every member facility, lists the firm with Dun & Bradstreet, and revisits the subject each year. There are programs that make Green Building certification more difficult by creating a point system that is difficult to obtain, but it need not be that complex. Some steps may be as simple as trash management with techniques that require only modest changes to your existing operation.

The Green Awareness Report is the training program that is provided to the business each month with smart ideas for Greening. Each edition offers advice of the next step in Green practice. You will learn about the ten best plants for a Green office that remove pollution and add oxygen. You will learn outgassing and simple steps to reduce these harmful fumes from the building. Our system removes the barrier between the day workers of an office and the janitorial service.

There are dozens of easy-to-follow steps to achieve a truly Green Building. You could hire a consultant, pay money for restructuring of your facility, and trust that the benefits will outweigh the trouble. You could also appoint a key person in the office to start the Green Survey and take your building Green in a serious way. It all starts with the Green Survey and ends with a healthier building.

Show me a red-blooded male and I’ll show you someone whose sense of masculinity is heavily dependent on his physique and sexual function. For most males then, it is unlikely that anything, other than sexual dysfunction, will traumatize more than the appearance of ‘male boobs’.

The fact remains however, that a man usually finds it difficult to deal with intensely emotional matters such as this will present. He will prefer to suffer in silence, too focused on hiding the evidence to notice that there are many others who share the same fate.

He wonders “Could this problem just be temporary in my case?” Deferring a decision for months and even years in hope that the problem will fix itself, he lives like the ostrich who buries his head in the sand at the sign of trouble.

Well, things don’t often work out that way. In order to get on the path to resolving the problem, the first step must be to acknowledge that there is a problem and that one must make a decision and act on it. The potential for awesome results deserves that you muster all the courage you can to take this step.

I don’t know any guy that actually likes going to the doctor even for routine checkups. So imagine the stress of going to raise the matter of man boobs - it would be quite a difficult task to talk about them, much less display them to the doctor for examination.

To get desirable results then, the obstacles of fear and embarrassment must be met head on with as much courage and gumption possible.

Secondly, it is important to actively seek out assistance that is congruent with the methods of breast reduction you are comfortable with. Surgical methods may suit some men as they may want a drastic, immediate solution. Others will choose the route of diet and exercise guided by fitness trainers who have expertise in helping men to reduce the fat accumulation on their chests.

Though seemingly poles apart, male breast reduction surgery and the other more natural solutions all have their proponents. You will need to factor the price and pain of surgery as opposed to the potentially longer time and rigour that is involved in more natural solutions. Whatever choice you make, remember that you no longer have to be permanently afflicted with “male breasts” or “man boobs”. Whatever you choose to call them, you will hopefully be able to call them gone.

When trying to decide which career to sets your sights upon, you should consider whether or not it’s something that you would like to do for many years, maybe for your entire working life. You should opt for a career that has opportunities to advance in more than one direction and that has regular salary increases.

Choosing a career today, as always, is making a major investment in your future. Such an important decision demands seeking the very best career advice. However, no one can “crystal-ball” the future to any degree, and this is particularly true when trying to evaluate what career may be both available and rewarding some years down the line. If you select a career that involves activities you already enjoy, you improve the chances of enjoying your future and your job.

It is a good idea to start your working life by taking a general career education path, by doing that you keep as many options open to you as possible. It is good career advice to start with general studies in your degree to be able to work in diverse markets, and specialization would then be easy to achieve later on in your career by doing a masters degree. Don’t do the same mistake others do early on in their careers and specialize from the beginning and get trapped in one market.

When you feel uncertain about your career, career planning can help you pinpoint your thoughts and ideas clearly while making sure that you accomplish your goals. Many universities offer classes and seminars related to careers in order to assist students with post-graduation job placement, as well as assistance with job placement and creating an impeccable resume. Some even have classes to help you prepare for what to say in a job interview.

Deciding on a career is a major decision, and it is always helpful to talk to people in your chosen field before making a commitment. They will give you a realistic look at what your work will be like, with all the positives and without glossing over the negatives. This is a golden source of career advice; noone knows a job better than those who already do it.

Picking the career path you will follow for the rest of your life is a weighty decision. Your choice today will guide and direct your professional and personal life for years to come. In addition, job security and widespread availability will also factor into your money outlook for the future. Try to strike a balance and single out a career field that will satisfy you personally and assure you financial stability.

It’s hard to know in advance what careers will be the most lucrative in the future. However, you can still use your experience and talents to help you decide on a career path which you will enjoy. It is a good idea to start your working life by taking a general career education path, by doing that you keep as many options open to you as possible. When you feel uncertain about your career, career planning and career advice can help you pinpoint your thoughts and ideas clearly while making sure that you accomplish your goals.

A home equity loan is a loan in which the borrower uses the equity in their home as collateral. Medical bills, major home repairs, and college education are examples of what home equity loans can help finance. A lien is a type of security interest over an item of property to secure a payment. Why do you need to know this? A lien is created against the borrower’s house, and actually home equity is reduced through a home equity loan.

Home equity loans may be a first, second or third position lien, but it is most common that they are a second position lien. When you are trying to get a home equity loan you should have reasonable loan-to-value and combined loan-to-value ratios. You will also need a very good credit history as it is required most of the time.

Closed end and open end are the two forms of home equity loans. Generally the both of these are referred to as second mortgages. The reason is because they are secured against the value of the property, like a traditional mortgage. Home equity loans may have a longer term than first mortgages but generally they have shorter terms.

Closed End Loan

A closed end home equity loan is when the borrower receives a lump sum at the time of the closing and cannot borrow anymore. The factors that determine the maximum amount of money that can be borrowed include: appraised value of collateral, income, and credit history. It is not unusual that you will be able to borrow up to 100% of the appraised value of the home; in fact there are lenders that will go above 100% through an over-equity loan. Some states may, however, have a limit on the amount you can borrow.

Open End Loan

With an open end home equity loan a lender sets an initial limit to the credit line based on factors such as credit history and income. Not only that, but the borrower can choose when and how often they borrow against the equity in the property. A home equity line of credit, HELOC, is also known as an open end home equity loan. Just like the closed end home equity loan, it is possible to borrow up to 100% of the value of the home. The lowest possibly monthly payment you can have can be as low as the interest only. The interest rate is most commonly based on a prime rate plus a margin.

There are several fees that can come with a home equity loan. There are appraisal fees, originator fees, title fees, arrangement fees, stamp duties, closing fees, early pay-off, and other costs are often included in loans. There are also surveyor and conveyor or valuation fees, but they may be waived. It is possible to reduce the costs of this fee by finding your own licensed surveyor to inspect the property.

In conclusion a home equity loan can be used for things such as a repair on your house. It is possible to get up to 100% or over of the value of the home. There are closed end and open end home equity loans. Your credit history and your income are major factors in determining how much you can borrow. There are also a number of fees that may be associated with your home equity loan.

Bad credit loans are loans that can be acquired by a person who has bad or poor credit. It is actually possible for a person with bad credit to get a normal loan but the interest rate would be much higher for them than compared to that of a person with good credit. The most common type of bad credit loans are known as payday loans

Payday loans are loans that cover a borrower’s expenses until their next payday. These loans are also referred to as payday advance or paycheck advance. Payday loans are most commonly between $100 and $500 and are due in two weeks, or when the borrower is paid. The interest rates of payday loans are generally high and can go up to 400% APR. You can get payday loans through retail lending and internet lending.

Retail Lending

Through retail lending a borrower goes to a payday lending store and secures a small loan that they must pay back on their next pay day. The payday loan will generally come with finance charges ranging from $15 to $30 per $100 borrowed. This means the rates range from 390% to 780% APR. The borrower will write a check to the lender in the full amount of the loan along with fees and will normally pay it back in person when the payment is due. The lender can process the check through the borrower’s checking account if they choose not to make the payment in person.

The borrower will receive a bounced check fee from their bank if they do not have the funds to cover the payment. Additional fees may also be charged to the borrower from the lender such as an increased interest rate. In the case that the borrower cannot pay they will be offered an extended payment plan for no additional cost by members of the national trade association.

Internet Lending

With internet lending you fill out an online application or you can fax a complete application that requests personal information, employer information, social security number, and bank account numbers. A copy of a check, recent bank statement, and signed paper work is then faxed by the borrower. The online lender will directly deposit the loan in the consumer’s checking account and electronically withdraw the payment and charges on the borrower’s next payday. The best way to find internet payday loans is through, paid ads, referrals, e-mails, and by searching online.

In conclusion a credit loan that someone with poor credit can get his considered a bad credit loan. People with bad credit can still get normal loans but the interest rate will generally be much higher than for someone with good credit. Payday loans are the most common loans that are considered bad. Payday loans come with high interest rates and high APR. You can get a payday loan through a retailer or through the internet. If you fail to pay back the loan on your next payday then you will have some extra fees to cover. Also if you fail to pay then you will be offered an extended payment plan for no additional cost.

If it is that alcohol brings about such a number if negative issues, why is it not only legal, but in some cases accepted? Although it is that we have placed a limit on what we as a society will tolerate, we still allow the use and consumption of a potentially unhealthy, dangerous, and even deadly substance when consumed at sometimes even moderate amounts. So why is it that there is even the mixed message that exists in our society?

Alcohol has made its way over time out from just the taverns and bars from coast to coast. Once you also factor in the number of restaurants, sporting events, fairs and festivals, hotels, and night clubs, just to name a few, alcoholic beverages have become a typical part of everyday choices. Liquor stores and package shops are not the exclusive venues any longer for purchases. Now with a simple trip to the grocery store, or at a stop to get gas at the local convenience store, an adult can make a legal purchase of anything from cans to bottles, cases and in some locations even kegs of whatever alcoholic beverages they may want.

Is Drinking Alcohol Cool? Not only is alcohol extremely accessible in our society but there are also a number of factors that reinforce the idea that drinking alcohol is “cool.” For instance, consider beer advertisements and commercials on TV. Indeed, it can be argued that some of the most memorable, funniest, and “best” commercials and advertisements on TV have been those that were associated with drinking beer. To push the point further, why would beer manufacturers spend millions of dollars for a commercial during the Super Bowl if this expenditure did not lead to more sales? From a slightly different perspective, consider professional athletes and movie stars who, by their actions and advertisements, reinforce the idea that drinking alcohol is “cool.”

Religious Rituals and Cultural Traditions. When religious rituals that make use of alcohol, cultural traditions that encourage drinking alcohol, special events and holidays that are associated with drinking alcohol, and the increasing popularity of adding alcohol to food for enhanced flavor–when all of these are factored into the equation, it becomes obvious that alcohol is deeply ingrained in our society. The point: when people are surrounded with alcohol and bombarded by events, traditions, holidays, and advertisements that are alcohol-related, it becomes part of their socialization process that in turn makes it easier to simply accept that they should drink alcohol if they are to “fit in” and become members of our society.

Alcohol Abuse and Drinking While Driving. If the prevalence, acceptability, and accessibility of alcohol represent the one side of the coin regarding the mixed messages in our society, then the dangerousness, unhealthiness, and illegality represents the other. Indeed, consider the numerous negative and harmful messages and statistics associated with alcohol abuse and drinking while driving that we have heard from the medical community, federal government, police, politicians, organizations such as MADD, and school and college administrators.

Mixed Messages and Their Consequences. When something like alcohol use is so intimately ingrained in the fabric of our society, it becomes extremely difficult to significantly alter its use and abuse in a comprehensive and beneficial manner. I assert that one of the consequences of the mixed messages about alcohol use and abuse in our society it that it becomes extremely difficult for many individuals, especially our youth, to realistically see the destructive, unhealthy, and sometimes fatal aspects of alcohol abuse.

Unfortunately, Mixed messages have also been a result of our judicial system and the ways it has dealt with offenses relating to alcohol. Until recently, many repeat DUI offenders have received only a slap on the wrist and in turn these offenders have typically continued their behaviors. Alcohol has also been a predominant part in many domestic and assault cases.

Now however, some states are becoming more reality and accountability based in regards to these offenses. Laws have been passed making it a felony when a person receives his or her 4th DUI within a ten-year period. This sentence also carries time served in prison and hefty fines of thousands of dollars.

Jail time itself is not the only solution to those with alcohol issues. Unless the underlying need for drinking is discovered and dealt with while being incarcerated, many will return to the same self destructive habits once they are released. With alcohol intervention and treatment in jail, the individual is in a stable and environment with a positive success rate. Those who have participated in a alcohol treatment program are more likely to return to society as a productive and responsible person, ending their drinking and driving and therefore avoiding becoming a repeat offender in the system.

While there are those who preach “responsible behavior”, who defines what is considered to be responsible? One person might say that posting a sign warning that the road comes to an end is exhibiting “responsible behavior.” The next person may say that a sign is simply not enough, and the road should be barricaded to prevent cars from traveling any further. This example is basically saying that a warning is not enough, we must put preventative measures in place to prevent dangerous effects.

So why if as a whole, we say we know of the dangerous consequences of alcohol do we as a society have such an acceptance of it in our lives? Considering the health hazards and dangers including death, we should practice “responsible behavior” at the next level. Warnings have not stopped alcohol usage, so we need to create other deterrents in addition to the ones currently in place. We as a society can choose not to glamorize alcohol, in turn making it less “cool.” We can say no to advertisements and commercials promoting alcohol usage. The message can be sent out emphasizing and supporting a healthy and safe lifestyle free from the use of alcohol.

Lead Generation has been particularly effective in the automotive industry. Lead generation includes anything that a business does to gather a list of new or potential clients and involves a number of techniques used to create interest in potential customers. Lead generation products track the activities of potential customers on a company’s Web site and use factors like their job titles and activities on the site to assign “lead scores,” which help salespeople to target their efforts.

Companies that adopt effective lead management processes generate more revenue from their lead generation investment and have overall higher close rates on marketing generated leads than those that do not. If you are like most B2B marketers, lead generation is at top of your priority list. Instead, I’ve found it’s better to think of lead generation as a portfolio and use multiple tactics. If you’re involved in a complex sale, I’m sure you’ll find a few of the 9 1/2 tactics on lead generation relevant.

Consumers are constantly warned against giving personal information to companies. When the most popular websites in the world make money from selling advertising then you have to believe there is a massive need for companies to market themselves in a traceable, affordable way.If one of the visitors opt in to the ad, they send the information so you can immediately start building a new database.For complex products and services requiring a complex decision process, the keys are identifying the most likely prospects and then educating and qualifying them before deploying more expensive sales resources.The goal of lead generation is the creation of more selling opportunities. Yet, for most organizations, lead generation is a hit-or-miss affair.

Conversion rates on leads that you receive often have a higher conversion successrate than cold contacts because the prospect is prequalified, before you ever receive the lead. These matched leads are then sent via email to the prospective providers with full contact information and purchasing requirements.

Lead generation programs tend to yield much higher quality leads than co-registration because the subscribers are less likely to be confused by a sea of checkboxes. Lead generation comes from driving more visitor traffic to your site. Leads can consist of the names and addresses (or e-mail addresses) of individuals, corporations, institutions, or agencies. Lead generation is the use of marketing tools, devices, or techniques to generate leads to new customers or contacts.

Health insurance is an insurance that can be used to pay for a person’s medical expenses in the case of an accident or illness. Health insurance is purchased as premiums. A person can purchase insurance sponsored by the government as social insurance, or receive insurance from a private company. Plans can be purchased by individuals or in groups, such as when company’s use insurance as benefits for the employees. Health insurance prices are estimated by the likely hood an insurance holder has to be in need of medical help. For example a healthy young insurance holder will probably pay less for insurance than an older or sicker insurance holder.

The estimated price of healthcare is found by the likely hood that the customer will be in need of medical attention. A healthy young insurance holder will most likely pay less that an older sickly insurance holder.

Health insurance was founded by Hugh Chamberlen in 1694. Accident insurance was the label originally given the idea. It was run similarly to the way disability insurance is today.

The process of health insurance works by an insurance company selling a policy to the insurance holder. A policy is the contract between the insurance company and the individual purchasing the insurance. The contract can be renewed monthly or annually. The amount paid by the insurance holder to the company is called the premium.

All policies have limits and exclusions. Not all services are covered by the insurance company. If a situation in which a medical expense is not covered the policy holder will be forced to pay the bill with their own money. When the medical expenses of the policy holder surpass the amount agreed upon in the policy the holder will be forced to pay the remainder of the bill.

All policies have exclusions and limits. Not all services are covered by the insurance company. If a situation occurs in which the medical expenses are not covered the insurance holder will be forced to pay the entirety of the bill out of pocket. When the medical expenses of the insurance holder exceed the amount agreed upon in the policy the holder will be forced to pay the remainder of the bill.

Out-of-pocket maximums are almost he opposite of coverage limits. This maximum is the amount that a policy holder is allowed to pay out of pocket, after this amount is exceeded the holders obligation stops. Capitation is the amount of money paid by the insurance company to the health care provider. A provider on a list of healthcare providers that are selected previously by the insurance company is called an in-network provider. When a healthcare provider is used that is on the list the policy holder can receive discounts or additional benefits to their policy.

One of the largest problems with health insurance is the moral hazard issue. Moral hazard occurs when the healthcare provider and the insurance holder agree to tests that are deemed unnecessary by the insurance company. Most of the time the insurance company is still forced to pay for the expenses but this can cause problems between the company and the insurance holder in the future.

People are beginning to turn to green living practices, to help save the planet for their descendants, as global warming continues to pose a danger for the planet’s future. All aspects of our lives, including driving to work and mowing our lawns, can be incorporated into to living green.

It’s a daunting prospect to switch to green living all at one time, and this might actually scare some people away from taking on these most important earth friendly changes. However, you can start slowly, so that you ease into green living and will still help positively impact the earth’s environment.

Some cities have a big problem with smog and air pollution, and much of it can be traced to manufacturing plants. However, that’s not the only contributor to the problem. Cars and trucks, traffic congestion and long commutes add considerably to the pollution.

With so many vehicles making their way through the streets, the sheer volume of pollutants being produced is wiping out the atmosphere’s ozone layer. If you would like to do your part to preserve the environment, consider car pooling, cycling or walking to work, taking public transportation, or even purchasing a new hybrid vehicle that’s less damaging to the air you breathe.

Even small changes like this can provide substantial environmental relief and help to ensure our world is here for many generations to come. If you examine your home, you will find various ways to include green living in your life. Which brand and type of bulb do you use?

Typical incandescent bulbs add up to higher electricity costs and more carbon dioxide. If you exchange even a few of these light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs, you can help save the environment and also save money on your electric bills.

You can also seal any gaps around your windows or doors to keep any cool drafts from going into the house. This can cost you more money. Your house should be well insulated so that you can cut down on energy “escapes,” especially during the wintertime. The better insulated your house, the less your furnace will have to run, which will save you money and will save energy, too.

Next, examine your appliances to see if they’re consuming excessive energy. If you have older models, it’s likely that they’re not very efficient. While some of the changes are in the appliances that you use, other ways to go green involve your own habits and actions.

For instance, do you find yourself opening your oven door frequently to see if what you are preparing is done? How hard an appliance has to work is directly proportional to how hard it is on the environment. Continually opening the oven door will result in the temperature dropping almost 25 degrees. The oven will have to work again, even harder, to bring the temperature back to the level at which it originally was.

Recycling is an excellent way to save our environment. Try to buy as many products as you can that can be recycled. Avoid the non-recyclable items such as Styrofoam cups. The less trash that has to be burned - or buried into our soil - the better off our planet will be.

These may seem like small changes, but they can have a huge impact on the environment. Simply put, if everyone does them, this has a huge impact in a positive way on the environment. Every little bit everyone can do will go a long way toward preserving our planet for future generations. Pay attention to the environment and get involved so that you, too, begin to positively impact the environment through green living practices that will only benefit the earth.

This article explains advanced strategies for well-experienced real estate investors who want extra protection for their investments. Keep in mind that the strategy chosen will depend on the type of investment strategy followed. In other words, not every strategy applies to a particular situation. Also, they some solutions may not be ones an investor commonly used. However, knowledge of those solutions may come in handy in the future.

The Fundamental Protection of the Memorandum of Option A primary negative of lease options concerns financial difficulties of sellers. These problems can result in liens, delinquent property taxes and other similar hassles. For the investor, this can result in a considerable amount of time and money spent on resolving these issues before the property can be sold.

One basic protection for you is the “memorandum of option.” This document is a record against the title of the property and definitely should be recorded. It lets the public know that you have an interest in the property.

The purpose of the memorandum is to prevent an unethical seller from refinancing and selling the property to someone else. It also provides you protection from bad faith sellers who try to squirm out of their obligations. With lease options, always record a memorandum of option!

Advanced Strategy 1-the Deed in Escrow You may think that the term escrow refers only to the deposit of funds by one party for delivery to another party upon completion of a specific event or condition.

But, the definition also refers to the deposit of deeds and other written financial/legal instruments. Here’s my suggestion–place the deed in escrow at the same time the memorandum of option is filed. When this happens, the seller signs the deed along with the other contracts. The deed isn’t recorded on the title at this point however; it’s held in escrow by an attorney or title company, and they’re provided with instructions for its release.

Now, this action doesn’t protect against the filing of liens against the property. But, its effect is to reinforce to sellers that they’ve actually sold the property. This, in turn, creates reluctance on their part to try to back out on a lease option agreement.

It also has another advantage: It allows you to close on the property without the seller being present! With the deed in escrow, you should specify how and when the deed is to be released and recorded. The instructions can be simple, such as this example: “When Sam Smith pays $200,000 in certified funds to John Jones, the deed will be released to him. By (date), these funds must be paid.”

Advanced Strategy 2: The Performance Mortgage With this method, the seller pledges the property as collateral for the lease option agreement, and, therefore, ensures good faith performance by that seller. Once the mortgage is assigned to the buyer, it prevents the seller from selling the mortgage to other people. (It replaces the memorandum of option filing.)

The performance mortgage allows the seller’s insurance company to put the buyer’s name on the owner’s policy as another insured. It also shows that the buyer is a lien holder and requires that he or she be notified if any type of foreclosure action is taken.

I’m sure it’s no secret to you that many sellers dislike the idea of a performance mortgage and won’t agree to such an arrangement! However, if you do find a customer who agrees, your attorney should review the terminology of the mortgage to make sure the appropriate clauses are included.

Advanced Strategy 3: The Land Trust Land trusts are formed by organizations established to hold land and to administer use of that land. You’ll find that this technique is very useful with subject-to’s because a land trust minimizes your exposure to litigation.

It achieves this by hiding true ownership. The actual owner or beneficiary is not recorded in the public records, only the trust’s name. In other words, it’s difficult to get sued because litigants find it hard to identify anyone to sue.

Keep in mind that land trust contracts tend to be complicated and long so you’ll definitely need an expert lawyer to draw them up.

Advanced Strategy 4: Form a Partnership There are times when investors may want to consider subject-to high-end properties (in terms of rapidly appreciating value). There’s more risk with these properties, and since there is more risk, you can spread that risk by taking on the seller as a partner. With this method, the buyer and the seller share the profits.

Here’s an example: Assume a property is worth $800,000 and the monthly rental is $3,500. Under normal circumstances, you’d more than likely back away from this deal. However, let’s assume you discover that this home might be sold for $200,000+ in profits. This deal makes good financial sense for you and the seller. So, you agree on a 50-50 partnership (or another percentage arrangement), and you’re both happy.

My recommendation: If you take this course, require that the seller cover all the risks.

Advanced Strategy 5: Refinancing This is a tax-deferment strategy. Here’s an example: Assume you have a house worth $300,000 and $230,000 is owed on it. Through a new mortgage, you can take out some or all of the $70,000 in equity, and it’s not a taxable event. That means you can use that money to reinvest in other properties while still holding on to the original property.

It’s a good idea to check with lenders and brokers in your area to find out what refinancing programs are available.

Tax Concerns With any of the strategies I’ve just described, IRS regulations have to be met. So, you and your tax person should stay up to date on those regulations. They do occasionally change, and those changes can affect the legality and profitability of deals. One area to really be on top of is capital gains.

Capital gains are the profit on the sale of a property. At the present time, you can sell your primary residence (the one actually lived in, not investment properties) every two years.

If a person is single, he or she can keep the profits up to $250,000; if a person is married, he or she can keep up to $500,000. In both instances, the profits are tax free. If the seller of a property lives in his or her home for two out of five years, then that property qualifies for a tax-free gain. The seller can rent the home out for three years - and not a single day more.

My Advice Study advanced strategies and keep them in mind as you grow your investment portfolio. More than likely, you won’t need them for the majority of investments (especially early in a career), but, as is often said, knowledge is power. With that knowledge, you’ll be able to apply it quickly and easily when the right situation arises.

Key Idea: Always get the Lender’s written permission first. Study advanced strategies diligently, so you can make use of them at the appropriate time for maximum protection of your investments.