Now, while this is a good mindset to have and it is good for a person's ego and good for those who feed off of positivity only, it's even better for those who feed of off statistical data, rational thinking and common sense - the wolves. 

But you may not - there are agents who like to quote misleading statistics regarding FSBO and sale prices.

And statistically getting in one car accident, makes it no more likely you will get in another.

There is usually a university that gathers data in each state if you want to study the statistics. 

Consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, with retail purchases making up approximately 25% of the average American’s annual spending, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

I don’t know if others have more specific tool suggestions but yes I did a lot of googling and reading city statistics/forums.

To say that this is compared to the flu at all, we have to compare counted deaths to counted deaths, not counted deaths to statistical estimates.

There is a reason some 75% or more (I forget the exact statistic) of real estate agents stop within the first year (and I think another 50% drop out in the second year). 

Try to connect with local agents to get market demographics or statistics.

While it's possible that you may at some point be forced to dip into this reserves while the market is down, statistically speaking as long as you stay consistent then you will come out way ahead.I also have a guaranteed military job, so my paycheck is always coming in which allows me to take more risks than others would potentially feel comfortable with.