But it is a wealth-producing asset, even if it only mirrors the general rate of inflation. 

That's like the "Zombie Loans" where if you "put a mirror up to his nose and it fogs up" give him a Mortgage! 

BATHROOM 1:  (1) White 48" Vanity with matching mirror, New hardware for shower, sink etc. 

Well it just about broke her and she ended up living there for about 4 or 5 years and self managing.. but she rescued what was for sure going to be a flame out.. and as soon as she could she sold and came back to PDX bought a 18 unit and condo in Maui and put OKC in the rear view mirror..

I switched over since year 2002, and saw  constant improvements on it over time.For accounting and taxes, I had my chart of accounts and Income statements mirror the Schedule E, so there would be no need to map items to tax software.

If you could fog a mirror and had money in the market you made bank.

If you live in or near SF/LA/NYC/DC and you can fog a mirror... you can make much more than $52k a year.

I don't know you so I can't say... but your friends do...also I really don't see the point asking BP why YOUR friends won't approve... also leads me to believe you need to change a few things within the man in the mirror before you dive into this... so maybe your friends are right to be concerned...When I started I didn't even tell my parents.

Practice it in front of a mirror and then practice it in front of someone you trust.

In any case, the CAFR is really only going to tell you the health of the local government, which may or may not mirror the community at large depending on how well it is managed and the economic philosophy of that town.