In fact I believe most central banks are trapped at the zero bound and that we're all turning Japanese (Whose 'Lost Decade' is now old enough to be graduating with a master's degree) because low interest rates distort investment and hurt savers who would normally be a big part of the spending in consumer driven economies.

Finish my degree(s) in finance and economics and begin investing in real estate in order to build wealth and income. 

I graduated with a bachelors degree in Biology in 2009 and upon receiving my first "real" job, was offered to contribute to a retirement plan.

I am currently in school pursuing an undergraduate degree in Sports Management.  

You are correct that I did not spend as much as I did in my profession/degree.

You've been contributing a little while already (by your post count) and it shows your inherent interest in RE.Rockefeller once said he would rather hire someone with a great attitude than someone with more degrees than a thermometer without one.  

I do not know if it has to do with being stuck inside on twenty degrees below zero, or just being out and about more. 

The minimum slope for an asphalt roof is 2/12 (rise over run) or 9 degrees.  

While I have been saving for the down payment, if I need to rehab anything to any degree, I'm looking at the HELOC to provide those funds.

In NY, my stomping ground, the minimum indoor winter night time temperature is only 55 degrees!