I think that you have every right to feel played, but as many on this thread have advised you need to follow whatever course makes the most business sense rather than seeking emotional gratification (i.e.

Which ultimately brings me gratification-knowing I’m helping individuals in need, who would otherwise be in a difficult situation.

With a good self analysis and a little more study you may choose to put off the instant gratification for a future lifestyle.

Drug paraphernalia, sexual paraphernalia, clothes, food, feces, etc... are fairly common.

They keep on giving you enough gratification to make you keep on paying them money. 

I know there are a ton of variables, but could it be possible that the obsession for cash flow is instant gratification and will actually profit less than a high appreciation property in the long run? 

These people usually quote a portion of the US Department of Justice study (linked below) saying "Sex offenders are 4 times more likely to be rearrested for a sexual crime than non-sexual offenders," but they stop there, taking it out of context.

However, if I model their spending/lifestyle pattern, it's unlikely that I'll reach my goal of retiring by 35.Though this 'generational lethargy' is a real thing to a degree, there are still plenty of us willing to put in the work and sacrifice immediate gratification to achieve our version of the American Dream, whatever that may look like for each of us.

The instant gratification of living in the “cool” and “modern” apartment takes priority over making the fiscally sound decision to invest in real estate and begin building a passive income stream.The combination of wanting the best and limited mobility makes real estate investing an unrealistic and impossible option for many millennials.

Each day is filled with gratification as the dog repeats the cycle of anticipation for the next car and then accomplishment as he barks and chases the car away.