People should do what they are comfortable with and be careful when people use words like "don't", "shouldn't" or "can't" in such a broad context.  

There are very few sellers of notes right now, so who are you buying and selling too.You are going to be sadly dissappointed and realize after 3-6 months you probably wasted your money.Your best bet is to join some groups on FB or elsewhere and start to learn that way.Let me ask you this question: Have you spoken to any note investor out there to ask them about the environment today to actually get into notes? 

I am a busy man, sometimes more than others, as we all are.I come in here to help others when I can.I make no money from this-and making money is my primary focus.That and handling the responsibilities and time consuming tasks that go with it.I also lead a very comfortable life full of friends and business acquaintances that take up a great deal of my time.

Get out of your comfort zone.

And this should be a "living and working in ___ environment fit's good with my life" kind of things. 

Get out of your comfort zone.

Option A (continue renting) offers stable, inflation-protected income and potential appreciation, but managing the property may impact your retirement comfort.

First, what's your comfort zone for distance?

If I end up with a property, I wouldn't be comfortable with someone in Ohio managing it for me.

@Nik Farooqui You are correct in that GC licensing is never a requirement but it is more of a "silent factor" that can make a lender more comfortable lending hard money and thus the approval and loan process easier.