While the real estate investing has been tough, I am way happier now, even at a fraction of my W-2 income, than I ever was under the oppressive weight of being a cog in a wheel that was soul crushing.

HOA special assessments are completely unknown(unless you're a poor soul on the condo board) as to when and how much.

Thanks for real solid, useful replies; I am looking for homeowner's carrier, so I could take line of equity and make improvements without selling my soul.

Well look deep into your heart and soul because landlording and buying and holding is where it is at.SUCCESS BREEDS SUCCESS

There's no guilt, remorse, or soul-searching, you didn't pay, the toys go away.

Commutes are soul-sucking affairs. 

This thread might be dead already but it feels like there isn't consensus.Regarding the suggestions for soul-searching for the OP (what's your risk tolerance, goals, profit target, etc.), try this: (my) #1 rule of business is don't lose money.  

Having that set up, and since I literally couldn’t get a hold of a single soul at OmniKey, I literally spam emailed them.

Granted, there are probably a few good souls out there who hope to help people by teaching anyone willing to listen their knowledge, I however haven't looked for them and haven't seen any yet.Hope that helps, again welcome to the community, and good luck!

We will pivot and move and at some point it will, I suppose adversity is good for the soul.