Why are there so many ex-engineers in REI?

[Paul B.]

I've been a landlord since 2008, but only about six months ago did I decide I wanted to get more serious about real estate investing. I'm an engineer by day, which is why every time I hear an investor or a guru say they were an engineer in a past life, it catches my attention. I don't intend to quit my job, but I have become curious why so many have. The head of one of the local REIAs in Dallas/Fort Worth, a local multi-family investing expert, and the head of a turnkey investment company based in CA but focusing on Dallas are three examples that come to mind. 

Here are my possible explanations:

1. There is no particular abundance of former engineers and I am just noticing them more because I am biased.

2. Engineers are good with numbers and analysis and these skills transfer well to REI.

3. Engineering offers good entry-level opportunities out of college but in the long term is a lousy career path (many of the successful investors I've met quit their day job after about 15 years working in the corporate world).

Has anyone else noticed the trend or have ideas why?