So is housing, college, and food for certain income brackets. 

We made an immense amount of stops along the way seeing National and State Parks, hiking and eating great food, and our main focus was climbing in South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and Arizona.

When the following months rent became due they told me they wanted $30 to cover food expenses because the oven did not work.  

Then there were always the late rent excuses, we dont think we should have to pay the late fee, I don't have money for kids food followed immediately by their facebook pics of beach vacation, accusing my wife of putting their rent money order (dated and time stamped of course) back in their apt to illegally charge late fee, claiming we weren't allowed to enter their unit even after proper notice or when they requested repairs and telling us they had us on cameraWe served 30 day notice for them to leave after they went month to month.  

(for Gas, food, etc.) 

@Mary Mitchell i definitely am going to try to work with her. i spoke with her about 2 hours ago and did some research earlier and she seems eligible for a utility subsidy and food stamps.

I think of it this way - If I can't even have the discipline to get to the gym 5 days per week and put good food in my body, how the hell can I have the discipline to stick to my budget, cut trading losses short, and invest systematically over spending on unneeded items with friends?

I heard about bigger pockets a little to late and I was caught in the snare of the middle class rat race. 3 years into buying my first home, I found myself working long hours and even giving up days off just to make enough to provide food, pay the mortgage and fight off rising gas prices.

@Ryan Williams Good food for thought on the appreciation bit in the Denver area, more recession resistant as well.

I feel like most opportunities I see on MLS in my area would not provide the opportunity to pay for the repairs, hire people to do the job, pay for their lodging, food, and drinks and still have that big of a profit margin.