During the 2008 crash, prices were rising rapidly, and so were inventory levels.

However, my fear is that the brokerage account goes to zero in a market crash, and I do not have another full down payment ready to deploy.Has anybody gone through the process of pledging an account rather than using cash for a downpayment?

Look what happens with Las Vegas every time the gaming, hospitality and tourism industries crashes. 

Also, depreciation of bricks - means my dividends are taxed at 0% since technically I have a business making almost no profit.)Of course, this is without appreciation, AND without a 2008-style crash.    

I guess the good debt is a higher risk reward on the rare massive housing market crashes (which is something that doesn't seem to affect property in Aus - we have been rising for the last 25 years).

(That one from a family member last week, after we just sold a 225 unit apartment complex and I talked about looking for the next property)"What if the market crashes?"

We were thinking the following:  1) we know these potential tenants have a paying job, 2) no commute for the tenants which would be appealing 3) most are men who are working and sending money home to their families so a dated decor is not a big deal and they just need a place to crash 4) renting these guys enables us to get income immediately vs spending money updating the property.   

I am a bit worried about entering the game right now with all the forecasts of different crashes, inflations, and possible fraudulent claims of the federal reserve...

Ya I do think about it but I got the property during the crash so basically they are covering the mortgage already and the other unit is all gravy.

I also don't want to overextend myself and have everything come crashing down on me.