Being debt free is a great feeling. That, and a daily dose of lovin’!

Cool. Congrats. Someday hopefully you'll have that kind of bill from one month, pay it out of your income and still have $ left over to invest.

Debt-free is great, but don't be afraid of it for the right reasons (credit cards are NOT the right reasons.)

Just took on another $600m mortgage to buy a small shopping center. (It's also a nice feeling to have the bank president say "sure I'll lend you $600,000. You're good for it.") Invest wisely (follow the advice you give clients- you do give them good advice, don't you) and you'll be able and ready to put 20%-25% down when the opportunity comes along. On this particular deal: payment + taxes = +/- $5800 month, expenses & reserve +/- $1000 month, rental income $9000 month. Net profit (before appreciation) $2200 month, ROE >13% cash-on-cash.

But you have to avoid the credit card trap to build your capital to get into the game. Congratulations on a good start.