Think about how much time and capital is tied up to buy the property before you ever spend a dime on renos? 

All of the spreadsheets and explanations that I have seen show someone paying more towards the mortgage each month then the payment requires which obviously saves one from paying as much money in interest.The problem of this argument isn’t the question as to whether or not it will help you pay your mortgage down faster, the problem is you are stepping over dollars to pick up dimes. 

The market today indeed can change on a dime, as you say. 

In flipping for example, you shouldn’t have to pay a dime for decent mentorship until you sell.

I have never spent one dime of my rental returns on myself or my lifestyle.

I wouldnt pay a dime to a guru myself, if you are an attorney then you should be pretty good at research.