That same year I lost like $250k in GA by being ripped off by my contractor and an ill-chosen business partner. 

I look at it this way.. you have 2 distinct things going on here.. you have those that have a different chosen field / JOB  other than anything to do with real estate but feel rentals or some type of cash flow real estate is their goal to become independent of owning their own business or working for someone else.. 

Would you have chosen a podcast called    "Driving your beater to your trailer home after another long day in the landlord trenches .

To have best chance of success, be educated in your chosen RE area.The education will give you confidence. 

I don't know if I would call them self-righteous, but then again it is hard to come up with another word for someone who does't care about your story, your goals, or the path you've chosen when they choose to tell you that you're wrong, you've chosen an investment that is going to fail and you will definitely lose money.  

We’ve chosen to build our barn first.

I think you have two options for your life/career you graduate - (1) you don't worry about the money, pursue your passion and eventually you'll be so good at whatever you do that you'll be well paid for it or (2) get the highest paying job you can then put all that extra money into investments (real estate, stocks, etc.).I chose the latter and it has worked out well so far but I know folks that have chosen the former and have done well too. 

I don't have do the rehabs since long term tenants have basically chosen to live that way for a few years but I definitely have to if bringing in new tenants.I was just doing simple math to calculate positive net cash flow, Gross rentals minus PITI, water, trash, and maintenance.

But I can see those with limited experience not going into real estate more than their personal resi and maybe some managed funds etc.Most of those on BP have chosen this as a profession.. and stacking up rentals is a small business its not an investment per se in the context I think they are talking about.. your managing your assets and some do ok many don't.. 

I find a properly chosen tenant never leaves.