Success won't come without conflict or obstacles and it's not built overnight, however, it's also valuable to have direction, focus, or even a "life philosophy" that guides you.  

I personally and under the philosophy that curb appeal makes all the difference and sets the standard on how you keep and how you want your tenants to keep the property maintained.

Totally agree @Jon Holdman, somewhere we went from the old Walmart philosophy of selling cheap goods but selling them cheaply to everyone selling the same crappy cheap goods but now charging premiums for them.  

Their philosophy and feel could have helped you.  

"Your income is directly related to your philosophy, not the economy."

(Engineer, Doctor, Scientist, Dentist, Lawyer, Chemist, Nurse - sure then you need a degree) but if it's MBA, Psychology, Art, Music, Philosophy, etc - forgetta about it.

Do what is best for you not what someone tells you is my philosophy.

I'd argue, access to research - and the application of that research into investment philosophy and guidance.

Our philosophy has been to give the cash offer at something that covers your risk and construction budget, and not get into these nickle and dime time of things where you try to re-negotiate based on things that come back during inspections. 

@David Boroughes and @Paul Choi, the path that @Raeshelle Cooke is thinking of regarding the 1031 exchange is similar in philosophy to the tax deferred retirement account.