Aim for constant improvement and consciously and methodically work towards positive change where you need it most.Pick a strategy and stick with it!

Both are fun and better than nothing, and whether you invest in stock market or REI or both, you would most likely end up better off than those who don't make any action.What I think the important thing though in 401k and IRA is to know what you are investing in (or your employer's investing in for you) and make conscious decisions.

They are efficient, cost conscious, very accommodatingsimply the best

It took some time, but made me more aware/conscious of tax regs and how best to stay organzized.  

My point is, if you choose to pay down debt first then continue to move the ball forward with your REI strategy in some form and if you choose to immerse yourself in REI be conscious about your debt so it doesn’t increase.

Also, we're in Phoenix, Arizona, and I have some reservations about how ecologically responsible it'd to put sod down, during a time of drought and water scarcity.

It's completely okay to make the conscious decision in favor of providing a desirable lifestyle for yourself, but make sure if you're doing that, its for those reasons (or whatever the "right" reasons are to you).

Alternately, you could consider medium-term rentals, i.e. marketing to visiting scholars at the university (who may be less price-conscious if they're receiving a stipend from the school). 

My conscious is clear, because I know I haven't done anything wrong.

I’m slowly playing a more passive role and will eventually be exiting that business as we “consciously uncouple” and starting my own - I’m on my second project in Denver with my new business partner, who's a real estate agent in Denver and would also love to come along for the ride!