This isn't optimal I guess, since he doesn't want to owe ANY money, but it doesn't seem so terribly bad.

And I focus my time on those tasks that will ultimately generate more than $200/hour, which for me is essentially finding deals, negotiating deals, networking and building/optimizing my business.

But once you have been identified and assessed the risks, all techniques to manage the risk fall into one or more of these four major categories: Avoidance (eliminate, withdraw from or not become involved)Reduction (optimize – mitigate)Sharing (transfer – outsource or insure)Retention (accept and budget)Ideal use of these strategies may not be possible.

As I get older and the recession drags on I find myself wanting to keep more cash though.This is a psychological thing and not necessarily what is optimal for my portfolio.For those with lines...do you have debt covenants on your lines?

Real estate is a local game in most respects.As Charles mentioned...If you lower your rents you will have fewer vacancies and if you raise them you will have more. 5% vacancy for larger buildings is generally an "optimal" target for most investors.

If it is a business, on the other hand, you need to focus on maximizing the value of your business entity and you do need to optimize your investments.

Every market is different in how a home is optimally marketed.

You have the optimal opportunity to:Insulation: quite cost effectively upgrade the walls to R24 - R26 for a 2x4 wall or R33 - R39 for a 2 x 6 wall and properly air seal the envelope.  

i.e. low income, middle income, etc.And is there an optimal dollar limit of property for each LLC?

, in what areas should I look (ex, what kind of geo setting offers optimal returns on the inv frontier?)