On some, I purchased and then renovated years later, or renovated over time, or lived in them / renovated over time / and sold them tax free, and they naturally appreciated as expected from purchasing in growing areas, and they went through spurts of larger appreciation...everything stacks over time (if you're invested).

Personally, I think some of his points are a little excessive, but not everybody is naturally financially literate.

They should of told me it would be difficult :) Finding a home that makes sense has been a natural challenge.  

No one has more "skin in the game" than a PMC as they have to deal with the property every day until an owner sells or fires them.Also recommend finding your own Inspector and not one referred by an agent.

This leaves skin in the game for him too to ensure we have % left so he gets paid. 

You need some skin in the game.

The nature of many deals won't make sense at anything less than 25% down. 

No skin off my teeth!

You are going to fall and skin you knees anyways, Guru course or not.

So, not only will you need to find a suitable location, you will also need a extremely strong team that will be able to sustain the investment through the unpredictable nature of the city.