As contributing members of society we had better pay "our fair share" as they are the modern day Robin Hoods robbing from the rich, read us, and giving to the poor, read the voters who outnumber us.  

On the other, people will be looking to rent more than ever, with tighter loan criteria and massive layoffs.

But, I do not know what the current outlook of my company may be in the coming months and want to prepare myself  in case there are potential layoffs and what not.  

If you are short of funds, buying a rental cash with PML or HML and then doing a cash out refinance likely won't happen with the recent layoff as you might not get pre-qualified for the cash out refi.

It will be interesting to see if the lower oil prices will lead to layoffs and if those layoffs will affect the local housing market.  

@Tareq Salaita I agree with @Jay Hinrichs that IF economy were to crash or correct, there will be layoffs which would lead to vacancies and eviction related expenses.

Working for a paycheck is easy - no risk (other than lay-offs) and even today there is a certain security in knowing that if you do your job, you'll get paid - until you don't.

Even after these many years, there is no guarantee that I will be spared during next company-wide layoffs due to economic conditions.I hate it and want to kick them before I get kicked.I have much interest in RE since last few years, and have learned about it during my spare time (which almost non-existent).

😂Congrats on your lay-off. $515k for a severance package after 11 months of working there?

@Don BlevinsWelcome to BP and a tip of the hat for not letting a layoff send you into a downward spiral!