Then, if she stays employed, the money will start to trickle in.

I can't speak for all offices, but I know from the offices I've managed and the core principles that are instilled to all offices, that profit is generated from a set price, down.  

this thread definitely instills some caution as all I now see are red flashing lights. 

Ex-engineer checking in... still in tech though. 

I'd love to see them buy a multi family to live in when the time comes, maybe once they go off to college...My husband grew up farming and was always helping out, I believe this set him up for life with an incredible work ethic and hope the same is instilled in our kids.Kelly

I tell you this to instill confidence and urge you to not give up.

Prediction:The government has validated their new tool to instill fear and reduce liberty will successfully work and they'll have a nice precedent set for the next crisis.The inflation tax and tax on inflation tax will continue to be tools of choice to prop up our terrible fiscal policy in an attempt to manufacture "safety" for people that the taxpayer can't afford and government can't provide.Real estate landlords will be screwed, particularly in the more left-leaning locales. 

If in the event you do have a very high external risk profile that might attract a real lawsuit (a drug addled teenager driver) then acquire the level of umbrella insurance commensurate with your real risk (not phantom risk from some imagery "predator" instilled in your mind from a group scare monger selling you an LLC template).I would go even one step further and say an LLC in practical effect may actually INCREASE your risk profile as it could easily lull you into a state of complacency running your operation both in a careless and reckless manner.

DR helped me break out of the poverty mindset instilled by my "Christian" upbringing. 

Take this from someone who has done it several times - buying from a owner for half of that owner paid for 5-7 years ago, and who is sitting on $4.5M today from buying low....I agree in not getting too crazy at this point in the market cycle but there is definitely nothing wrong in still investing in the right deals.