Eventually I want to have a go to foundation contractor as well given the fact foundation repair is so common in our area as homes age.

For example, a large employer may leave a small town eroding their tax base.

I used to go medium oak on the theory that if it looks like the most common hardwood floor color, it will get less scrutiny than some picture of exotic hardwood. +1 on Ben Moore Navajo White!

Obviously the tenant hope of bringing in more occupants (and sharing more common area space/bathrooms as a sacrifice) would be to lower the rental cost per person.  

As a newbie, it is easy, and common, to head down multiple paths chasing shiny bright objects, with many of those paths just leading to time wasting and increased experience in learning what you don't want to do.

It would throw up red flags to any future landlord, lender, or employer who cares to check.

I think climate change is actually less of a factor than employment availability, cost of living and where people have personal ties. 

Currently, I invest through Betterment with a general investing plan and a Roth IRA, and I also contribute to my employers Roth 401k plan.

Quote from @Emily Mohr: Software is a common question on BiggerPockets.

Cities like NYC and Boston have so many employers and infrastructure that one or two major employers can go under and you wouldn't really notice.