It's an illusion.

If you just buy them to hold, however, any return on investment is an illusion.  

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one."  

As high of a return as possible is an illusion.

"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one."

What's the use of this illusion of higher CF if all you're doing is repaying yourself? 

If you pay it down, you are using your cash flow to pay down that debt, so that "higher cash flow" is an illusion. 

I think 10% is just an illusion of safety for you.But that is just me.If I had a deal, I rather tell the seller I am cancelling the contract than giving in to greedy people (not accusing you).A good deal is a good deal, and there are legit ways to handle risk... basically eliminating it as much as you can.By doing due diligence on the house.All such things like "skin in the game" does is create a false illusion of safety.This because, me ALSO having something to lose is not making the deal any safer.

Ill use local management for long distances properties for everything except maintenance.

In many cases, you're helping along an illusion in someone's fragile mind, an illusion that can ultimately become very dangerous.Hope I'm not twisting your words, Joe.