The actual sacrifice would have been limiting my future for some immediate gratification... 

I'd say you and your family are the king/queen of delayed gratification.

Credit, criminal, sexual offender list.  

This is the DE wording in 4603(b)(3), the Delaware Fair Housing Act: (3) To make, print or publish, or cause to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, marital status, familial status, source of income, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

A good percentage of Americans don't have the necessary discipline to delay instant gratification and make smart financial decisions, so giving these people more money wouldn't accomplish much.4.

Your post tells me that you are well on your way because you are able to delay gratification, set goals, and patiently pursue strong financial positions. 15 yr loans will always cost you more monthly but less overall.

Not because you can't make money if you aren't fit, but if you can't practice restraint and delayed gratification when it comes to pizza, how are you going to do that for 25 years in real estate.

In our society instant gratification is what is pushed through social and media.

Willingness to delay gratification.

It talks about the mindset and delayed gratification of anyone at any income to be extremely wealthy.