You are in a very vulnerable position. 

Only getting the answer from one place leaves you in a very vulnerable position.

IMO, you're actually a little more vulnerable with just a few properties.

That leaves you very vulnerable if things go badly. 

As far as career goes we have been telling them:  they should go for what ever they enjoy doing BUT in order the sleep good at night and not be vulnerable to the "empoyment at will" they should invest in RE so they have some investment income to sponsor a worry free/happy life and career of their choosing.

I believe some areas are more vulnerable or favored by downswings or upswings than upstate New York.  

I got to try and work on my negotiating skills lol im so naive in this business, I feel so vulnerable it not even funny lol building up my defence surely but slowly

The west has lower cash-on-cash but higher appreciation also making it vulnerable to market downturns.

So, if you were to buy someone's property below market value, that could leave them vulnerable in the future if they don't have adequate coverage or income and end up needing Medicaid or another low income program and then can't get in because they sold off assets.

I saw one of those companies go down in flames.. that is highly risky. there needs to be equity so you can exit if needed.We did not play the hid the cheese from the bank game at all.. we wrote company checks changed insurance etc..