At point point do you start to enjoy the "fruits of your labor"?

[Brad Hunton]

Over the past six years of slowly growing my portfolio I have gotten to the point of my very lean F.I. number. We haven't spent a dime of our rental income since I started and have just reinvested to 13 LTR's and still looking to grow.

My question for all of you investors out there is, when do you start to spend some of your hard earned real estate money?

We have four kids and want to provide them with a bigger/better house, vacations, etc. before they move out. At what point do you actually breathe and enjoy your results? We are by no means done growing our portfolio but want to enjoy life more.

[David M.]

@Brad Hunton

This goes back to setting your investment strategy/goals.  It sounds like you have been "investing to invest" but without an exit strategy.  Its really something for you to decide.  Are you going to retire and live off the rental income?  Or will it supplement your retirement?  Do you want to keep going and "1031 until you drop" and pass them along to your kids?  What about diversify your investments or changing --- into anything?

Many investors who tire of being a landlord change their investment approaches. For example, DST or OZ funds. You could even move away from real estate into income securities (i.e. stocks). Nothing says you need to be a "one trick pony."

All that being said, I don't see why you couldn't start enjoying some of it right now..

I'd be happy to chat if you'd like, just send me a message.