It says nothing about your ability to find success in REI.Thanks for the info and the encouragement.

We need to get lower rates to encourage more borrowing, to try to save some of the RE markets, etc.However, the lower the rate the more we face inflationary pressures and with the escalating taxes and energy costs.I wouldn't want Bernanke's job right now, that is for sure.

I tend to agree with you but only in part.I do blame "part" of the problem on "bedroom" (mortgage) brokers who helped, and in some cases "encouraged" loan applicants to falsify documents, particularly income statements.I blame the "don't worry, be happy", the market will take care of everything attitude of the Bush (and Bush Sr. and Reagan) administration toward any type of oversight of the mortgage business.As we all learned in high school Civics class; people may be honest, but when an opportunity presents itself they will cheat.

It has become a big part of my morning workout routine - and is a great, practical, and timeless set of inspirational stories and encouragement.

It's called a "FREE Float Down" and you should demand this feature.

There's a cool new feature of Bigger Pockets that allows you to search for other members by zip code.

@Ryan Steele: Thanks for the encouragement!

I'm not a huge stickler for weight although in our larger (80+ unit complexes), we are generally on the smaller side and typically have a total pet limit too (usually 2 or 3 max).I also would say that I encourage allowing pets in apartments if the tenant is paying for it for two reasons.1)If you restrict it, you're cutting out a very large % of the poplulation (see here for a nice infographic explaining - http://dailyinfographic.com/which-states-love-dogs-the-most-infographic). 2) It's more revenue and therefore more NOI and therefore more value.

Any encouraging stories out there of small time guys like myself?

I am finally at a computer that is working for the @ feature of the website so I included all posters.