Rookie..and debt free property should be IMHO a must for all...Sorry i disagree Rookie. In my way of thinking a house sitting debt free is the worst investment you could ever make, sure you feel comfortable turning up the heat or turning down the AC so what, as this investment sits idle COSTING YOU MONEY. My house sits fully invested on the Greens ( line of credit )and about 15 months ago our city raised our home market value so they ( city ) could raise their tax base.. I took this new market value to my bank manager and through their financial points sytem gave me a ton of extra cash thanks to the city. In the mean time the housing market drop and home values are down but who cares my home has a higher line of credit than the house is worth. All interset on this loan is a straight tax deduction off your gross income so even investing in Corporate Bonds will yield you net 7 % for just sitting. I feel i shorted my house at a higher value and have invested in the Greens wheir i could realize a 100 % value on the up-side from here. I can still play with the heat and cooling and if all else fails the loans are life insured..with out prejudice .Traps7