I'll echo the sentiments of many here. 

This project is sentimental to me because it made me realize how much I love flipping and all of the other opportunities that must be out there.

It sounds like I am just echoing others sentiments.

I thought as a way to help lower my tax bill I could buy a ‘primary residence’ here … and then rent it out…Feel like something that I know these areas, they are no longer in my backyard per se but if I were to ever move back in the future I'd have some property there…I’m not sure if my sentiments are clouding my judgment here, but I’m seeing props with 1% LTR and in areas that will be/are booming (hello new Universal Theme Park), duplexes in other/less desirable areas, etc.

I understand your underlying sentiment to provide a fridge. 

There's even an anti-wealth sentiment among many, who portray it as "consumerism" or anti-environmental.

Thanks Tom  the Morris invest debacle is well chronicled on this site.. and I am glad to see that you folks that have been harmed are not just grinning and bearing it.there are many on BP who for whatever reason think you should just chalk it up to a learning curve..I get that sentiment if it was one off.. but this is hundreds of folks who have been conned.its like getting caught stealing then saying sorry let me put it back..

My sentiments exactly. 

On another note, I agree with @Wayne Brooks that many property owners put greater values on properties than then should due to sentimental reasons or "what they need."

@Rebecca Holmes The sentiment is mutual.