., and based on previous life experience, I am confident somehow, somewhere, someday, I'll be able to use this information to my advantage.

Even though your market might prove expensive, I would exhaust all options before ruling it out.Truth is, you have a unique competitive advantage in your market.  

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

For Chase, they seem to have the edge in this category, but I don’t like their business credit card options.Business Credit Cards: I prefer to keep all my accounts (personal and business) in one place, but the options are limited.

The major advantage DSTs have over many other types of passive real estate investments is that they qualify as replacement property in a 1031 exchange.

Single-FamilyThe supposed advantage of multi-family properties is that income from occupied units can mitigate vacant units.

For those of you that have good w2 income and want to take advantage of employer matching (100% return!)

I've often found that the biggest competitive advantage you have when you are getting started is proximity! 

They are taking advantage of what was affordable housing and making it less affordable while providing the least amount of services all just to provide the best return to investors.  

It is important to remember that a solid agent is not just opening doors for you, their biggest value would be in the negotiations and right now, buyers have a real advantage if one knows how to go about it.