re: Cousin just asked me for money: he’s a high income earner and parents are wealthy

Even if I had the money, I likely wouldn’t be willing to lend it in this situation. If you feel inclined to lend him the money, you should require him to open up his books to you. Bank accounts, mtgs on each property, monthly notes, etc.

If any of the properties have 100k or more in equity, take a second mortgage on it along with a promissory note. Typically, people like this will have the most equity in their primary residence.

The real estate market has definitely come down this year from the Covid times. It will likely fall farther so if he’s upside down now, he will likely be much worse off come February of next year. The 50k would likely just buy him more time before the inevitable happens.