@Anthony Frascone @Ishmael Carter I would agree with Filipe and add that I have been adding units to my portfolio that are closer to the new Fuel Cell Project being developed in New Britain (Corner of Myrtle and Curtis Street). 

No one can predict future - anyone who says they can has way too big an ego.Personally, I am probably 60% real estate 40% stock market.Is my nest egg optimized?

I have put all of my eggs in one basket and am guarding it with my life.  

If the credit is low because of them not paying everyday bills like utility bills, car payments, cell phone bills then we will pass on them because they just don't pay any kind of bill on time or at all which isn't a good sign.If the credit is low only because of a foreclosure/bankruptcy, medical bills, or student loans AND they make well above the minimum income requirement w/ no criminal or eviction history we may explore accepting them with 2 months security. 

How I like to view things is from the different levels of financial independence:- cash to cover spartan level expenses  like some have mentioned or just bare sustenance  (food, shelter, medical insurance)- cash flow to cover all basic bills (prior plus utilities, cell bills, others)- cash flow to all basis lifestyle and min reserve tucked away as well each month (min reserve, subsequent levels can bank more reserves)- cash flow to cover all basic, additional reserves and growth of future lifestyle increases- cash flow to cover additional lifestyle, reserves, and additional margin to grow other areas of life style, hobbies, and investments well (self funding deals, self fund rehabs, and other activities)At the last level and subsequent higher levels from here and on you can self fund from cash flow alone and "job," not is never needed again but depending on your personal preferences for lifestyle and risk you may work forever to stay busy or may quit the job at steps 2-3.I enjoy what I do as a lender so perhaps I just lower my production down to 2-4 loans a month and just help my past clients and referral partners.

Hi Jeremy, Hope you see this cuz my cell is not tagging you :(When I moved here 2yrs ago, I assumed the same about how it "should be" a good place to invest but have learned so much since then (and since becoming licensed here) cuz it's a whole different beast than where we invest (near Pinehurst NC).

I want to have the cash ready to go when a deal does come along but it feels a bit like a chicken or egg coming first scenario.Thank you,Cameron

Just PM me to do so and I'll give out my cell # there (won't let me post it here).Lastly, I am interested in buying flooded properties myself and know a couple other investors that are as well.

Ideally, we'd love to get cell phone numbers.  

I know this is a "chicken and the egg" kind of question.