^well, don't be too impressed. It was in a decent neighborhood in a run-down city....and I paid 9% interest on my mortgage (it was a pretty good rate, at the time) But, it was fun for a while, until the pool-liner tore, and the air-conditioning stopped working...

but still, there was a silver lining. I sold the house for more than twice what I paid... and I always enjoyed the large garage, as I did my own work on my vehicles.

life does have it's up's and down's.

I should also mention that at 47, I work for myself, and most days, I love it! I have the type of business I've wanted since I was in Jr high.