So the ED took the front door off and hauled it back to the maintenance shop.

You’re absolutely right that you need to be in it for the long haul.

That may mean joint venturing with someone else and splitting profits to achieve that but any successful investor in it for the long haul realizes education and connections are an investment in your business and are vital in building your reputation in the industry on the right foot.  

Not buy expensive toys when I was single.

Investing in a syndication deal is like a marriage, and you're in it for the long haul.

If it is open ended, how are early investors compensated over later investors, ie. someone comes in a month before selling asset, they should not get same return as someone in it for the long haul.5.

A hotel would never require this and I have only had one STR request it, so it is not a majority policy and would be unexpected by the guest.As far as your cleaners not being able to take the garbage - most cities require licenses for garbage hauling.

The metal was probably 1/4 thick of the old one so that it felt like a toy; the sprayer pattern was cheaper (less jets and less pattern) and the button was worse.

If you take the negative cash flow method and put faith into appreciation be prepared for a long time haul.

This is especially the way to go if you want to be in real estate for the long haul.