Well, You should first change your attitude towards your dad. If he owns the money then he has all rights to think right even if he is wrong.

You will be smart if you will handle him with respect, politely and make him a meeting with an financial expert who knows whats going on in real present market. These financial advisors will charge money say on the basis of hourly charge but it will be worth to pay few hundreds to get great advice ...

Well, You should first change your attitude towards your dad. If he owns the money then he has all rights to think right even if he is wrong.

You will be smart if you will handle him with respect, politely and make him a meeting with an financial expert who knows whats going on in real present market. These financial advisors will charge money say on the basis of hourly charge but it will be worth to pay few hundreds to get great advice for an investment of couplle of hundred thousands.

I am sure then our father's attitude might change if he happens to be wrong or your attitude towards your dad will change if you happen to be wrong in this real estate investment.

Though at present scenario real estate investment is not advisible looking at the real estate crisis. The market may melt further and you may be landed paying more at this time unless you are getting real nargain price.

Good Luck.

Show your dad that you are the knowledgeable one when it comes to making this decision. Study up on the real estate trends in your local marketplace. Present him the evidence needed for him to make a sound judgement. Step back and treat your dad as if he was just the banker down the street and you needed to borrow money from his finacial institution. Present your plan for buying, show the potential equity for buying, show your future plans for this purchase and show the capital gain or income potential of a future sale ...

Show your dad that you are the knowledgeable one when it comes to making this decision. Study up on the real estate trends in your local marketplace. Present him the evidence needed for him to make a sound judgement. Step back and treat your dad as if he was just the banker down the street and you needed to borrow money from his finacial institution. Present your plan for buying, show the potential equity for buying, show your future plans for this purchase and show the capital gain or income potential of a future sale of this purchase. Saying it is not enough though, you must document it in writing so that a hard copy of your business plan is in his hands. If you prove to him that you have taken the time to do the research, educated yourself properly on the marketplace conditions and have a strong business plan, then he be impressed with your stamina and drive in this endeavor. This could and should sway him onto yours and your mothers side. But remember to listen to his arguments, his warnings and his wisdom. Its not that he doesn't want to help, it's he doesn't want you to lose.

If you think the investment will work do it but if you still have no idea of what to do with it think again without a plan for it theres a no go plus it's going to cost some more to do what you plan to do with it.