I saw this as the highest and best use of my time--better for the tenants, society, and more profitable for me, too.

I also know good people who are rich and make valuable contributions to their community and society.  

After the Wells Fargo fiasco of predatory lending, including in the city of Cleveland, where the neediest in society were targeted for home loans, these same neighborhoods went from one owner who was ill-prepared to own and sunk the day they signed their loans, to foreclosed and boarded up. 

I personally have certain amounts I act on so then tenant doesn't get the perception I am nickel 'n dime-ing them every month.

When your having your doubts just keep pushing toward your goals and doors will open up as your mindset and perception changes.

You and I took advantage of the opportunities governments created by giving us the foundation of a civilized society.

Welcome to the 3-second society. 

I don’t know Texas, but out here there are various levels, each involving a different historical society.

I don't own in Hawaii, but my perception from my research there is that it's not an ideal cash flow market right now but can be great for appreciation, which it sounds like would be a pretty good deal in your scenario.If I had that much cash to deploy personally I would be putting it into properties that are most likely to hold value and most likely to gain value. 

There is a perception unique to Finance and Real Estate folks that rates will be lower in Q4 of 2023.