Biggest Picture????

[Bill B.]

Hello,
I hope I’ve posted this in the correct place. Please school me if I have not.

I have 100K in cash and another 100k in IRAs that is almost ready to invest. There is a niche market in the mid-west that is turning right now. A LOT of price cuts and a LOT coming onto the market. (it seems....more due diligence is pending....) I've been reading books and living on BP.

I've been poised by the side of the pool for some time and want to jump into Real Estate Investing. I would have ALREADY jumped in....AND pulled family and friends in with me.....if it were not for the general GLOBAL macro-economic state. (I read a LOT of current events and my favorite TV program is CNBC’s Squawk Box.)

I know...I KNOW…..there is never a perfect time. But, do I load up with leverage and fully invest in RE just when the WORLD seems poised to go through a catharsis that will make 2009 look like a kindergarten picnic? But, it also seems like a perfect time to pyramid cash flow properties in the previously mentioned niche market.

So….do I put 100k into gold and 100K into REI? Is it that simple? Does anyone else worry about this? Has anyone else even followed the global economy? Should I be in the proverbial rubber room with a tight fitting jacket?

Thanks to all in advance!!! This community is GREAT!!! In my opinion, BP represents the BEST of America!

Bill