Enjoy life when you're young, because when you're older and have all the money and wealth, you'll look back and say I wish I did this or that when my body and life allowed me to do certain things.

Think universitys, downtowns, historic districts, water bodies, etc.

Let some body else pay off the mortgage and have another asset to hold as a long term hedge against inflation.

I am a Lieutenant Firefighter of 18 years, though amazing, it has taken a toll of my body.

(I like to work my brain more than my body).

(I like to work my brain more than my body).

For example:http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Cold-Spring-Advisory... where they list 10 disclosures in 8 years and that were barred from any association with FINRA, the governing body for the rading industry.

That is the body that has power over licenses and an enforcement arm.The NAR will probably tell you the same thing ("Take it up with the state division").Let us know what becomes of it.

Edit: I also looked at your profile and see you are a licensed contractor -- my handyman could not likely do the level of work that you provide (major construction, additions, total makeovers, etc) and he is not licensed or have insurance; however, he can do all of the basic renovations one might need at a very low price (small fixes, painting, basic carpentry, etc). 

I am a Financial Analyst and have the skills to manage the finances as well as do forward looking analysis to evaluate the financial impact of the association's decisions.After getting the hang of the book keeping items, collecting fees, blah blah....I began to (per advice received on BP) get comfy with the declarations and by laws and making sure we are compliant with the governing body of documents.That is where I ended up on the phone with the insurance agent.