How many properties do you own?

[Kyle D.]

How do you handle this question? When friends or family find out you are an investor, this is the first thing they want to know. It's like asking someone how much do you make a year.

I understand their curiosity but I am not always comfortable anwering this question. However, if I am talkng with another investor, it is appropriate. Your thoughts?

[J Scott]

What they don't realize is that the answer won't really give them much information (assuming they're trying to gauge your financial situation). You could own 3 properties free-and-clear, which puts you in a much better financial position than if you owned 50 that were near 100% leveraged.