I worked in the real estate industry for about 3 years in the property management sector.

But, for hopeful future growth an expansion into other RE sectors, would a C-Corp be better suited?

But as you said, I've told some of my Phoenix area clients that just because the economy may take a hit in certain sectors, it doesn't mean that housing demand goes away. 

Not trying to be mean but there are tons of entry level jobs in the real estate sector that pay better and you will learn a ton more.

That is so true, but do keep in mind that hard money lenders get their money from the private sector that is made up of individual who pull their money from a 401k or their savings account to give it to a hard money lender for them to invest for them.

I work in Broomfield (one of those "W2 jobs") for one of the better known travel and leisure companies in the region.

That is pretty big on my finances compared to $15 for a light fixture, $100 for storm door which extends my replacement time on the entry door, $100 for couple gallons of paint I can apply at my leisure instead of under the gun trying o turn a property. 

If not a 1031 exchange would let you deploy into some different sectors and move from appreciation to cash flow plays.

To me, HOA has a responsibility to serve the best interest of all the community and not a sector which is where my focus would be in any legal action.  

Money will flow to the sector that will have the highest return for risk tolerance.