I chose MLO SAFE course. 

Steve you probably thought of this but in your state you can be the bank without a license and with your very deep knowledge making new origination's for investors could be a very nice play that will keep you engaged somewhat mentally and returns should be 12% easily and for you extremely safe.

@Erik Aybar Even for a better price I won’t buy a property I wouldn’t feel safe living in.

And then I got my real estate license in WA.So, if you want to get more efficient in your time spending in expanding your portfolio, I'd say go with an agent who will bring you the most value and safe your time.

I'd put that money into something safe and get more experience before jumping in. 

Now, since as much as 7 out of 10 businesses fail these days; I am not sure how secure starting one's own business is either without a huge safety net.There's no guarantee that REI, self-employment or W2 workers will always be safe and sound.

The IRS in its Passive Activity Loss Audit Technique Guide published a sample Activity Log.  

We have ask for a mutual release and return of our $2,000 earnest money due to the fact we no longer feel it is a safe area because of the break in and there have been a few other red flags along the way.   

It's a great technique when you can do it.

And I don't see places where people don't feel there kids are safe to ride their bikes around as good long term investments.