The wealth of knowledge you have provided here is certainly a generous gift.Years ago I studied for the real estate broker's exam but decided against going into the field - not that the knowledge hasn't served me well over that time.During the last 30 years I have been deeply involved in high tech, primarily the PC industry, including a couple of decades running my own business selling and servicing computers, ran an ISP and have worked my way up to industry spokesperson in that field.Now I am looking to widen my horizons, even though I am not kidding myself into thinking this is "easy money" or that I will jump into this full time right away.Specifically, I am interested in applying my high tech skills to this field, finding both traditional and innovative ways to leverage my abilities to market properties, starting out on the lower end of the spectrum and working up from there.I look forward to exploring any opportunities that I may be offered, working with as many people as I can effectively service, learning everything I can, and teaching if I am fortunate enough to be able to.Again, thank you for providing this opportunity,Ken

It sounds like you folks will be a great addition to the practical side of the RE spectrum.

This will just delay making that spectrum available for better uses.

Well the ARV was on the conservative side of the spectrum.

__________________________________________________That can be said about any government from any perspective of the political spectrum.

(in my opinion, of course)Oh, and to address my comment about "uneducated rhetoric," there have been several independent studies that have indicated that those who watch Fox News and those who listen to talk radio (presumably on both sides of the political spectrum) tend to be more likely to be misinformed about politics.

I guess I have the full spectrum of grief right there.

This answer to this will just depend on the skill of the person making the investments.It's like workers who have the maximum taken out on taxes so they get money back at the end of the year.They are happy as it's the only way they know to save.The other spectrum is people will have the least amount of taxes taken out as they want to grow that money all year long instead of the interest going to the government.I also agree that how you invest will depend on different stages of your life.In the early stages people are more risky for larger returns possible.Then over time the goal is slow growth to keep up or outpace annual inflation.As you get older wealth creation tends to be less of a goal over wealth preservation.It all comes down to do you want to make 200k a year and put in 50 hours a week or make 140k and put in 30 hrs with plenty of time to enjoy it??

Yes, Tom...we know that you need to turn EVERY SINGLE thread into a partisan rant...it can never be the fault of those on both sides of the political spectrum, right?

There is definitely money to be made here but as with ANY investment you have to know your numbers; rather fully understand the full spectrum of adversities that will appear investing in this market...