The claims of 1hr to collect rent, produce receipts, and deposit checks also seems like a reasonable claim if done physically and not electronically.

Like others have mentioned, there’s appreciation, depreciation, leverage, and tax benefits that produce a compelling risk adjusted return. 

I also got involved with a builder in Florida who has yet to produce the first of three houses they're contracted to build, which was a major hit to my available funds as well, setting me further behind.I also figured if I fell a little behind in saving (18 months instead of 12 months for example), I'd still be making progress.

There is a case for buying well-located solid assets that produce immediate current cash flow at reasonable leverage. 

You need to look at return on equity, how much cash flow can be generated putting your equity to work vs the cash flow this property will produce.

,We discovered over the course of this discussion that more smaller extra payments produces less benefit than fewer, larger "chunks". 

With an extra vacancy or a maintenance issue or an extra turnover, this is definitely a negative cash flow producing investment.So when you say the rent growth and value growth have exceeded your expectations, I would love to have you respond as to how that is possibly the case. 

The City of Montgomery is the Capital of Alabama with a robust economic environment that has produced multiple awards of excellence at the Chamber of Commerce level.

There is some but you FB or local event would produce more.

I can build a 1,000 sq ft cabin including land  and holding costs for about 350k or so and the cabin will appraise out for about 500k to 525k and will produce gross rents in year 2 between 50k to 60k.