I don't live in a place that has 20+, 10+, or even 1 BP meet up or REIA group so I have to do the next best thing and engage people on here that are willing to share, educate, motivate and interact with me all the while learning from folks that are doing what I ultimately want to do (becoming successful REI'ers).Although I am a newbie compared to most here on BP but I think what makes BP such an AWESOME and  fulfilling tool to use is that if you apply  what you learn and are willing to share your personal experiences back on here you give back to those that helped you as well as you also provide motivation and content for people that are just starting out as we all did once in our careers here! 

You learn how to make money, and much more exclusive and marketable skills that can serve you later on in retirement.Most people I know that have retired early successful have some sort of windfall, through their own effort, but they are able to leverage skills they learned as a hare to continue growing and taking on consulting if necessary after retirement.I think that's a much better (not to mention fulfilling) way to go.

It doesn't fulfill any of my needs(outside of money.)

That is the way to live a fulfilled life and many times that is what will lead to success.

pop on the website and see if you recognize them.. two younger guys.. well everyone is younger than me.. but mid 30s  most likely propped up by the Utah based fulfillment company that runs the back end of these deals. 

But would I call it fulfilling, especially the part of the life that includes writing about it here and elsewhere, helping other people find their feet in it?

I also don't use that as the end all/be all to determine whether or not LA is a reasonable place to invest in.Most people (including myself) come to the BP forums to gain something: knowledge/insight, advice, fulfillment in helping others, a platform to network or just community. 

Yes, I must sound like a douche, but I know that I am smart and smart enough to know that its not worth my time doing stupid meaningless and mindless tasks at a minimum wage to crawl up some societal ladder that I don't believe in and which frankly only exists in the minds of people who are not educated.

Almost invariably, that allowance is tied to fulfilling certain tasks.

Renting fulfills a basic need for shelter, which will always exist.