When looking at a longer time horizon say 5-10 yrs, there's a high likelihood that whatever RE investment you make, it will appreciate.

Primary motivator is to get this cheap money locked for the next 30 years (as I anticipate inflation in 2-10 year time horizon).

I will have to expand my horizons beyond just single family homes! 

I hear the news, newspapers and some TV “experts” say a recession is at the horizon.  

I'm still playing transaction coordinator, buyers agent, open house host, etc, but I can see a day when I bring in others to do those tasks.It still feels like herding cats at times as I build momentum, but I'm getting better at keeping things moving so I don't ever finish with one closing without anything at all on the horizon.

Lots of options besides what is the best real estate asset class that will survive what may be on the horizon. 

I agree it seems to be better for a longer time horizon.

If your time horizon to be working a W-2 job was longer, the payoff of an MBA would make more sense to me.Also, I would not underestimate the amount of effort that a demanding grad program will require. 

Another idea would be with foreclosures on the horizon, you look into preforeclosures or people who are behind on their payments.

I will definitely talk to Horizon bank tomorrow.