What I do know is, there were a total of 11 offers and I was the chosen one :) To think that I knew how to go about most of this process from sacrificing so much.

Financially, I think you can argue either way -- personally, I funded my 401k for a long time and am happy I did, but there are certain situations where I wish I would have chosen to have taken the taxable income instead and invested it.

I support the intent but IMHO the lack of % returns and time period chosen, slant it a bit too heavily towards appreciation :http://www.marketwatch.com/story/where-you-can-cle...I love this quote from @Amit M. 

This is the profession then have chosen and the customers they have chosen to represent.

Become a world class expert at your chosen niche.If you do this the odds are greatly in your favor that a lot of success and ongoing business finds you.

Really, I'm not saying there are no issues on the horizon, BUT good properties in well chosen locations WILL weather through.[ I'll let you have the last word Joel :) ]

These areas are chosen for their potential.

@Steven Mitchell regarding theft, you must have chosen Basic coverage, instead of Special form."

This company was also chosen through BP suggestions and vetted through reviews and past clients. 

@Josh StackI hate to be the one to mention this, but internationally, organized crime does this carefully in well-chosen urban-residential pocket neighborhoods.