Does a mortgage shrink the bullseye?

[Robert Wynne]

I have a couple of LTR's currently leased that we own outright. Have had decent success and only a few issues. Looking at a STR in order to diversify and have a place to visit on occasion. A friend with LTR's said properties with no mortgage become "targets" for unscrupulous types. I assume they don't want to take on a bank or mortgage co but an individual or LLC is vulnerable? Wondering what thoughts there are on this?

[Luke Carl]

Leverage is the key to financial freedom.