Fast forward to today, and I am thinking about taking cash out of my properties to fund new investments.I bring up my personal situation to underscore it all depends on your goals, risk appetite, equity capital, and investing horizon.

That trade underscores the importance of timing.

I'll underscore his consideration of the heat expenses - heating can be very costly. 

Underscores the importance of doing your own due diligence - always. 

This just underscores the fact that giving someone cash doesn't ensure they have money management or money multiplying skills.

@Amy Haas - your experience is not too unusual here and underscores the importance of having a good realtor AND a good inspector.