Why can't you? my last sale, is a 10 year loan on a 15 year amortization schedule. Most commercial loans are 5-20 years term. The down payment from the buyer paid off my loan (at the time), which means I own it out right. This is where these kinds of deals is different from a traditional rental property. If the buyer default, I'll eventually foreclose, and put it back up for sale. It actually works in my advantage. Don't get me wrong, I do have investment in Index / Mutual funds, along with my kid's 529, but I get the best ROR in real estate once factor in the tax advantage.