I like cash flow, because it is allowing me to grow (or pay bills), but equity helps me to sleep at night knowing I am not as vulnerable to changes in market rent.

You can really be vulnerable when all the new info and promises start flying around.

We also liked being able to turnover one unit at a time, without leaving the property empty and vulnerable.

In fact, in his book, he suggests (and I agree) that one is most vulnerable with few properties, because cash flow from other properties cannot serve to soften the blow of large expenses on one property (again, going back to the idea of an average cost).So, in other words, in infinite time (or over infinite properties) he is estimating operating expenses will cost around 50% of gross rents.

We see trends coming rather than trying to catch the last one; we create our own opportunities and reduce our vulnerability to competitive projects.

Theres quite abit to learn and being that far away for me would leave me too vulnerable to trusting others to take care of things I need taken care of.

While it may involve opening yourself up on occasion (to those who seem trustworthy but turn out not to be), at least you won't go around questioning everyone and everything all the time.I'd rather leave myself a tiny bit vulnerable in exchange for not being completely cynical all the time...Oh, and I'm a big fan of throwing out the common cliche of, "Don't confuse my kindness for weakness..."

The key is not pretending like you are more than you are, but be vulnerable and honest, but be persistent and work your tail off!

@Ralph Soles Thank you, that seems like extremely realistic advice that couldn't go wrong rather than throwing myself out in the real estate world vulnerable.

On the other, you are in a very dangerous and vulnerable position and, if you don't have much cash in the first place, you can easily be wiped out.