The name comes from the fact that the debt becomes inflated like a balloon as a result of the compound interest accumulating on the large sum.Due on Sale Clause – A clause in a loan or promissory note that stipulates that the full balance may be called due upon sale or transfer of ownership of the property used to secure the note.

It accumulates quickly.

Ideally I'd like to know if the pump stops working, or if it turns on during a storm, or to even monitor the level of water accumulating in the sump pump basin... all while remote.

Can you beat the rate of inflation, if so, having money tied up in the walls of RE is really working for you.Having debt is not a bad thing if you are increasing your net worth or income using it, if that is the case, you should be in a position to payoff the debt if needed.What are your goals, are you about to retire and kick back or are you trying to accumulate more for that ultimate goal?

I highly recommend flipping properties and keeping 1 out of 3 properties you purchase to accumulate a back end.

Wondering if that is enough time to accumulate a portfolio of investment properties that will generate between $50k-$100k per year of income to (help) pay for may daughter's grad school (student loan debt is anathema to me), and then continue to augment our pension and stock portfolio throughout retirement and finally leave as inheritance. 

This represents a prime time for buyers to accumulate more properties as currently prices are falling, yet prices are anticipated to skyrocket again once interest rates start to subside because that's how inflation works, assets simply cost more because the dollar is worth less. 

In fits, starts, and in some periods a "two steps forward one step backward" process, my monthly accumulation of cash has on average increased consistently for the past 8 years.

It's very feasible to accumulate the same amount of equity within the first year of two as you might possibly save if you did everything yourself which is risky and not guaranteed. 

One day I asked him how did you accumulate so much money and cash flow.