Alexander, a name that is synonymous with great "Alexander the Great -- a great Greek conqueror...but as a banker hmmm....I would think that you would be more informed regarding our current or recurring recession and I would like to think and believe that gold has stood the "test of time" to that of fiat money which as history so repeats and often dictates is a "devaluation of currency (money)" the leading causal factor to hyperinflation http://www.usagold.com/germannightmare.htmlRecall the Weimar Republic in Germany...I just did that for you as an event in history that shall be remembered for the German people. 

There were grain shortage riots in ancient Rome, inflation riots in Argentina in the late '90s (and of course the ongoing problems in Greece).

Two more days of Greek dancers and ouzo at the Northirdge Valley Greek Festival, I love it, I'll talk to everybody coherently in a couple days.

It could still have knob & tube and ancient plumbing. 

What would a Scottish Financier and a Greek Handyman be?

We had to take an ancient 27" oven out of one of our rentals, and couldn't find a replacement that size.

The client has replaced several of the old uglies and the new units are quiet, perform well, and many tenants are pleased they're not living with "ancient" duct work.  

It isn't easy to get people to say a 1966 Bi-level with ancient plumbing/electric/HVAC is "so beautiful" and "amazing finishes."  

(For anyone reading this,  please don't misunderstand my meaning of that...we know there are many who are starting out with much less...and we greatly applaud you for having the courage to move forward with your aspirations...Tammy and I come from very meager backgrounds and it has taken us many years together ((25 yr anniversary this year)) to get to this point...so moving out of that protective nature (finances that is) is actually fairly difficult for us...her especially ...should've been there 3 years ago with that first property...lol) anyway she was glad to here that from someone other than me...so thank you.I will have to look into the types of investing you mentioned...of course I have read about them and have a general idea...but the inside baseball of those types of investing are Greek  to me at this point. 

OK BP. I'd like your input in this matter.  I've been looking for a foreclosure to flip in Chicago, Currently, my agent and I are attempting to see a foreclosure right now. I'm noticing that whenever it is a really go...