I was getting DR fever thinking I would have to pay my mortgages off etc.. but you all have encouraged me to grow doors with a healthy debt and inspired me with your stories!

I finally made the decision to embrace the healthy fear of starting my investment journey, currently have my first deal under contract, and decided to make my first BP post as well to introduce myself!

Hi Cayson,We have healthy amount of inventory here in Lubbock, I wouldn't say that there's a housing shortgage at all, in fact we have 3 1/2 months worth of inventory on the market at the moment. 

If I needed this property to turn a healthy profit I'd be dying right now!

I'm pretty healthy (so far) but my blood pressure goes up at times with all the stress of managing my W2 and these rentals and trying to acquire more properties. 

My opinion is that the higher end stays will remain healthy because those guests have more disposable income while the lower budget stays will take more of a hit.

Of course, securing the initial and ongoing capital to invest in the market is a bit tricky (it usually requires being frugal and making an already healthy income), and you are exposed to the risk that the company you are invested in is the next Enron and could go to $0 tomorrow.  

On the other hand, my most recent apartment purchase was from a large, well-established REIT that appears healthy, and I have not been very impressed by how they ran their business.

It is different for me as I do enjoy REI and a lot of aspects of it, along with having the security of a W2 and a healthy pension after.

You need enough time to earn healthy returns, but not so much that your kids graduate before the sale.Considering market cycles, five years is a modest stint in which to invest, make improvements, allow appreciation, and exit before it’s time to remodel again.A five-year projected hold provides a buffer between the estimated sale and the typical seven- to ten-year commercial loan term.