I am happy to let him keep doing his thing and even happier to buy when he finds a property I can use.

Mainly by word of mouth? 

Everyone I've used, for renovation, repair, and cleaning, was found by word of mouth.

The author replied something like "when you're old enough, nothing would make me happier."

I'm much happier self-managing. 

Hardly any money out of pocket and it would have sold in a week or two.I could have stuck to my guns and kept the price as 5k, but for one, the park had a nicer 3 bedroom unit for sale for 3k-3500 and two, if I stuck to my guns at 5k and held on to the property 2 months longer to do so, I would have been out of pocket another $750 and all of a sudden, I'm right back where I started around the 4k mark but by then all the excitement would be gone and I'd be left with a bad taste in my mouth after 2-3months of holding time.

It was from a gentleman who got my number from the neighbor of my first deal (you won't believe how fast word of mouth travels in these small communities!).

Do these properties really make for happier healthier people? 

I do a lot PM work for my W2, so I have no issues managing multiple contractors schedules and timelines, but that's my experience.I've gotten recommendations primarily via word of mouth mostly but also have done a decent bit of hiring through Thumbtack to be honest.

Even though my wife is awesome and is open to anything, she and our three year old daughter would definitely be happier and more comfortable in the new home.