A year ago I was lucky enough to find an incredible top producing mentor (and now boss) who has provided me direction in the largest "industry sector" out there - Real Estate!

there is probably a website that shows a "heat map" of sorts, detailing the recent crime reports for a given sector.  

Job Quantity and QualityIn many parts of the US, manufacturing and similar jobs are going away and what remains are service sector jobs.

Focus on the sector/opportunity you are investing in.  

"Marry in haste, repent at leisure"Surely the same often holds true in investing...

Electrical engineering degree, MBA and a bunch of corporate experience in the technology sector.

Toby,Spot on.The interest rate is what is charged to cover both the return and the risk of default.In many sectors credit spreads have gone up.

If you need 50,000 for a flip with no experience that carries a much higher burden then I want to do some wholesaling and mailers and need 500 to get going.You might want to review your finances and see for instance if you can cut out some leisure activities and put that money to work instead in investing.

I can be available for a phone call at your leisure!

Unfortunately, we are still about 6-12 months away from being able to move on an STR so I don't want to take up a lot of anyone's time if there are websites i could view at my leisure.