Friends and family only want what is good for you and the reason so many are against investing in property is that they don't understand it.
Many years ago I had a conversation with one of my Sister-in-law's. It went something like this.
Me: We've just bought an IP.
Her: Congratulations! It's great to see you getting ahead.
Next meeting.
Me: We've just bought an IP.
Her: So soon? Don't get over your head.
Next meeting.
Me: We've just bought an IP.
Her: Another? Should you really have so much debt.
Next meeting.
Me: We've just bought an IP
Her: How many properties can you live in? Why on earth do you need so many? You're just greedy.
We don't speak about our properties to any of the relatives now. They know we have them, but they don't know any of the details or how many we have. We found that all of a sudden we went from just another struggling family member to the "rich uncaring landlord" and a lot was expected from us because we were now "rich" despite our personal situation not changing.
Some of the neices and nephews, now that they are getting older, have asked a few questions from time to time, and we have always been open and honest with them, but unless asked we do not discuss the subject at all.
Hubby also has an older brother with just one IP. I don't think they will ever have more than the one as they only purchased this when they had finished paying down their PPOR and now they are working on paying this down. Having more seems to be too much risk for them, and that is fine. We all have to sleep at night. His wife is a bit of a softie for the tenant too, and feels guilty when putting the rent up, so their tenant is paying a lot under market value.
Yeah I guess this your OUR reality and for people to share the same vision, they need to emerse their head in this before making judgements.
People often like to point and say things when they dont know the schematics behind things.
Thats why financial mentors are usually not your best friends or close family... but usually what they state is true.
I think I better just shut up about my financial life as I tend to have a big mouth that can get me into trouble, loose lips sink ships.