Ive ran across a lot of really good deals that were in growing areas that ive had to pass up due to my own lack of investors/experience.

My wife and I believe slow and easy is the best way to win this race, but we'd like to keep growing our portfolio as we achieve experience and success.

Something we have to unlearn as we grow up so we can get along in society.

We were told that, "economic growth is slowing, reflecting intensification of the housing correction and some softening in business and consumer spending.....

Looks like this thread keeps growing and growing, lets see if we can get this thread to ten pages LOL.

You just need to learn the business and do a lot better on all future purchases.To answer your question directly, unless you have a LOT of cash, you will certainly acquire a lot of debt as your rental portfolio grows.

I never care what gold is going for,no interest in it at all.As for oil, eventually the price of oil/gasoline will hit the consumer in the pocketbook and he will have to spend money on gas that would have gone for other things; clothes, restaurant meals, vacations etc.When this happens (I think it's been happening but people have been using their houses as banks) it'll slow the economy down.

Consumers are becoming much more sophisticated and knowledgeable in their purchasing habits.

Incidentally, I've been involved in a consumer litigation before.  

I also must say this site is also a wealth of knowledge i must consume and hopefully in time i will until then hi all and thnx biggerpockets