Handling jealousy (?) from non-investors

[Gregory Montalto]

It's been close to two years that my wife and I have been officially referring to ourselves as "real estate investors". Its been amazing how many people we've met and doors have opened by talking openly with others about real estate goals. We are humble people and, if anything, are overly understated when discussing our properties.

That said, I've been surprised by some of the reactions we've gotten from non-investors. "Jealously" may be the wrong word. But there is frequently an attitude that accompanies statements such as:

"Oh, it must be nice to have the money to do that."

"How many houses do you own now?"

"So now all you do is sit back and collect rent?"

There is part of me that understands this attitude. But there is part of me that takes offense.

Are we alone in being confronted by folks who are less than enthusiastic about our investing future? How do you approach addressing comments that appear to be rooted in jealousy?