Leverage- Max or no?

[Robert Duffer]

Going into 1031 exchange as a newbie...question for the experienced folks. I have enough for possibly 5 properties...some tell me get 5 and leverage as much as you can. Some people tell me leverage 2 or 3 and pay them off quickly and then go into next one...

Everyone has a different strategy for their own reasons. - my question is what are the predominant thoughts here? Max leverage (max properties) or conservative approach? (their thoughts -"what if we get into a recession"? "conservative is better"(?))...I understand it can all be relative...I'm just trying to make an informed decision. Any thoughts ?

Thanks in advance!

All the best!

Rob