However, if I had started off with a house hack, I could have lower my monthly mortgage tremendously which would have helped me build up my savings at a much quicker pace than I had.

So there is something said to go at a measured pace as a beginner… even if only your first couple of deals.  

I am in retail space not office so just check around.

I think Collin is being a little tongue in cheek with the Boone's Farm comment.I work with a local, large wine store, wait for their semi-annual sales when they compound discounts and buy 2 cases of each (white & red) for the largest discount.Basically I'm setting out wine that retails for $11-12-13 that I have paid $7-8 a bottle.  

This is not unusual in the retail real estate agent world. 

We are on pace this year to save a little over $110K post tax money. 

WE get our spec loans from local community banks that specialize in lending to business's in the community.. they are not retail banks they are not looking to amass huge small time checking deposits..

Doesn't that indicate a pretty healthy retail market?

This influx of workers will naturally drive demand for housing, retail, and other services in the surrounding areas, especially in smaller towns and cities that haven't seen major growth in decades.

Retail sale $192,000 which we don’t want to do.