Yes sir, definitely a long term play for me. Just another way to put my money to work vs. sit in my bank account with mold growing on it. What motivated me is investing 15% of my gross income every year. I needed another avenue on top of the traditional retirement accounts. I do like the fact that stocks are liquid. Retirement accounts are off limits and real estate is far from liquid. I am following Dave Ramsey's baby steps as I'm one of his ELP's and have enjoyed his books.
http://www.daveramsey.com/new/baby-steps/ It's a solid foundation to become financially independent.
I still have aspirations to pick up a few more properties but the market is changing and the timing isn't right to pick up number 3. It's looking like 6-12months. I'll keep saving and start whacking down the principal on my primary and investment properties.