That and a healthy commodities/precious metals portfolio (yes i've taken quite a beating over the last 6 months).Also on the recent Cyprus situation.

I’ve been steadily increasing prices – about 50% from where I first started, but still staying at a healthy booking clip, as reviews rise.

Hi there fellow BP'ers, I'm wondering if anyone's had any experience with a REI lending company called Big Smiles Lending Co. out of Pemberton, NJ? 

I had spent many years in Boulder CO, where they had the brilliance to buy up all the available land around the city and turn it into open space, so that sprawl could not happen, driving values through the roof, and providing an excellent healthy buffer to create an even better lifestyle.  

Mark, thanks- and yes, I'm trying to find a healthy balance between showing respect and also showing them the benefits of working with me.

See if you currently have enough equity to refinance your first property with a local lender.I'm in Chicago all of the time because my fiancé is finishing law school at the University of Chicago and saw a bank advertisement that made me smile a few weeks ago.

And in addition, they would smile knowing they helped the remaining generations for years to come they wouldn't know or see.  

If I found the perfect deal I could make this work, but based on the number of units sold in the area I desire, it may take a year or two for that to happen, and time is not something I want to waste.The properties that I would like to live in AND have healthy cash flows seem to be in the 700,000 to 900,000 range.

A good healthy dose of caution, yes ... paranoia, no.Good Luck,Jason

So while you need to make it detailed and have a clear strategy for what you intend to do with their money, just be aware that greased back hair and a big smile will not just make them open their wallets up.