Home Value - $600Heloc LTV - 80% loan amount - $480k1st position morgage - $425kheloc balance - 55kthese terms are negotiable and the appraisal will vary.

I was in a position where I had nothing to show for my efforts in life save a family that I deeply love. 

The positives are that you get two different skill sets that allow you to see opportunities and think more strategically.

It provides a lot of helpful insight, and I absolutely do not want to put myself in that position.

How about the cost to maintain an LLC if you have one, accounting costs, or bank service charges? 

Much of the following depends on your capabilities and cash position, but I've always given people the advice to buy their first home with a 'safe' outlook with regards to appreciation, and schools.I don't know where you are at in life - if you've already made your first purchase, etc - but so far so good on those that have taken my advice.I think later on in life, if someone so desires and/or has the knack, is when it's appropriate to get into what a lot of folks on these forums do - the more aggressive projects where there's more money to be made.This is a round about answer but yes it's possible. 

I don’t think the owners/operators were looking for your kind of response, especially with the positivity they seem to show on a regular basis.

My biggest concern is that sweeping reform (which feels imminent) would take me from cash-flow positive to in-the-hole fairly quickly.

It is normal to expect positive cash flow when you buy an investment property.

I invest purely based on cash flow (after initial investment, typically positive cash flow every year).