Look more as a retirement play .

Where are you at in your investment life (a young investor or perhaps an investor reaching retirement age)? 

It would cost around $3,500 to safely get my head above water with the licensing expenses, and I currently do not have that much, as I have most of my money currently in either a retirement fund or going toward college.

I am in Florida now and I've been here for the last 12 years since I retired in New York City. 

Initial goal was early retirement but i don't know or think that's totally realistic at this point.

The largest generation in history (baby boomers) are retiring.

I like to maintain a degree of diversification and liquidity, and although I like RE, stocks, especially retirement stocks, have some really good benefits as far as tax deferred growth and tax free gains.As far as your 2 beliefs - I think it's more that those who track their net worth likely have better financial habits and responsibility than those who don't.

Assuming you mean where should you choose to place your investments, overall I'll generically say you should use your non retirement assets for investing first.

I am also searching for an investor friendly realtor in the area as the realtor I have used in the past is retiring. 

Purchase price: $830,000 Cash invested: $225,000 The invested gain from the previous sale was utilized to upgrade, leveraging an ideal location for long-term appreciation, ultimately ensuring income during retirement.