@James BarryYou begin with a bold statement that can't agree with until I understand your definition of "facts" and "assets"I have read many of the books on your list but below are a few that were missing (but that affected my thinking):Dennis Peacocke   (On the Destiny of Nations,  The Battle for the Minds of Men)Johnathan Eisen  (Suppressed Inventions and other Discoveries)The Richest man in Babylon (Clayson)Strengthsfinder 2.0 Tom RathThe Millionaire Next Door  Thomas StanleyFreakanomics Leavitt and DubnerForgive the typos,   I can add more when I get back from work.

It is a more advanced strategy, but one that can be very powerful.Self-directed IRA plans come in a few flavors.  

But it’s a bold question we need to get at.

@Quinton Huntley Real estate investing comes in many different flavors.

unless they are bold faced lying to me (i don't think they are, i have good rapport with the leasing agent) - yes they are verifying.

Bolding Nice!

I wish you nothing but the best of luck, but you may want to factor local flavor (aka the good ole boy system) into your plan.Mike

But I have not been bold enough to make the leap to flipping or other "active" investing.

Do yourself a flavor flav and get a hipster property today.

This is a bit complicated and subjective, since opportunities come in many flavors.