The culture is such that I'll be motivated to help out others that are getting started when I'm more established.  

Japanese culture is really strong and the saying "the nail that sticks out gets pounded" applies.

In the "other thread" I referred to, there were NO repairs required:-https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/223/topics/30...I noted on that thread that I was surprised that a contemporary bank APPRAISAL trumped purchase price when it came to 70% cash-out being allowed. 

Clearly stated expectations eliminate ambiguity and miscommunication; they help to create a culture of accountability that will serve to increase efficiency and avoid problems. 

@Nolan O.Have you noticed that in our culture, there are a million stories about those who overcome their fear and a comparative minuscule number of stories in comparison about those who overcome their greed?

That's backwards from how it usually works in small operations, especially to start with.There's an awful lot of cultural baggage that goes along with doing the renovation work.

This might work there.Another reasonable location would be somewhere in the Hamilton / Cambridge / Waterloo /  Guelph polygon:- Lots of available space- 15 - 45 min access to high tech centers, culture, urban centers - Growing safe communities- etc.Anyway - well above my ability to influence.Oren

The social and cultural scene is great.

The difference is I know a ton of more people who didn't and ended up in a bad way very easily to the point where it's almost a part of the culture/acceptable.I'm not saying Melrose is anywhere near the equivalent at all but here are some numbers for you on Melrose.The number of towns (over 10K residents) in MA that have a lower per capita rate of crime per category than Melrose:Murder: 75Rape: 62Robbery: 101Assault: 70Burglary: 59Larceny: 102Motor Theft: 123Arson: 66Overall: 95Compared to these overall ranks: Wayland: #1Weston: #5Bedford: #7Sudbury: #13etc...My wife thinks the education system is the most important thing and from my personal experience, safety/low crime culture is the most important thing.

Your right about the culture of today.