Using my network, I actually received an offer on the property on 7/27 (the same day I closed on the property). 

@Youwei Chen You actually just mentioned a good way to identify your next target market.

@Jesse Murillo yes once you have identified your three properties, if you do not actually close on one or more of those properties it would be a failed exchange.

Again, I don't really care if everyone thinks it is or isn't actually starting the contraction.What I want to know is, what is the smart strategy for real estate when it is happening?

I actually have an email into my lender to check on this, I agree though assuming it is an occ loan.

It takes them a while to catch on.So retail appears to be slowing and I've actually seen a couple of more investor appropriate deals in the ballpark of reasonable (and by that I mean priced at 2x my number rather than 3x) on the MLS lately.

Thanks again everyone for the brush up in information@fahim I'm actually looking in Manhattan (still not sure if it's the best idea) but it's super close to work.

@Rick Pozos You're right, thanks for a quick reality check and thank you everyone for all the feedback!

will i actually be able to enjoy any of the money i hope to make now, or should i just accrue until I am ready to quit my job completely someday?  

If you didn't actually get a good response based on realistic expectations, then your problem is far more likely what you said in your direct mail - the message - rather than your list.