- I have about $100,000 in a etf fund in the stock market that yields about 9% and I get a dividend every month which I then use for our property tax payment every year.  

We already have our entire retirement riding on the stock market.

I am currently looking for tenants to occupy the first and second floor while I live on the third (penthouse) : )I used savings from my job and income through the stock market (options) to generate the necessary funds.After the property is rented, I would like to save some more money and start searching for a 2nd property with the help from commercial lending or a conventional mortgage.

You have some great sound principles it seems but not being a finance major, I don't understand your strategy :(

keep buying and looking for those great deals and use those to hedge against the rainy days considering you own these properties free and clear with no financing also look for deals were you walk into equity say if it's 20 percent under market value great tool to hedge against a rainy storm also put money into other things such as stocks or reits

I would also question whether he received a true principle reduction.

LOL, they aren't teaching me anything, but the newest marketing angles they use for their product.Long time ago, I gave estate planning seminars with a stock broker and an attorney, I had the insurance side covered for the "team".

Plus, with the stock market fluctuating a lot, people on the high end may not feel as certain about how much money/stock they have or will have to purchase an expensive home.

What if you lose your job or the stock market tanks or social security goes away. 

I keep the properties in the company name with me as the only stock holder and officer, and my personal assets in tenants by the entireties with my wife so they are completely protected.