Best Way to Use Cash

[Stephanie Jones]

My question is basically, " What is the best use of cash when purchasing real estate (to hold)?"

My husband and I started investing in real estate about 15 years ago. We purchased four 4-plexes, managed them ourselves along with working full time and thought we'd hit our limit. About 5 years ago, we purchased 3 SFR (two 2bdrm and 1 bdrm homes) and again decided we were done. In this last 2 years, my job became very time consuming and I decided that I'm ready for complete passive income. Heard the phrase at some conference that "Time is Freedom" and that's what I want. So we've refinanced our 4-plexes and pulled out $170K. Now I'm trying to decide if it's better to spread out the cash and purchase as many properties as possible, or to purchase with cash and then use cross collateral financing to help us purchase other properties (Not sure if I phrased that correctly??) Our goal is to grow our portfolio- focusing on cash flow primarily, then after a certain point, building longer term wealth. Wondering what others suggest or think. That's for your insights!