I am very budget conscious and practice it with my funds.

What if an attorney found your post while building a discrimination case against you for a client after their application was denied.I didn't read the post so I don't have an opinion on it but I do think we need to be conscious of what we put on an open forum, particularly when our full name is attached to the post as in your case.

Not spreading it through change in policy, spreading it through individual conscious efforts.

Not all renters utilize those amenities and at the end of the day a potential renter is still cost conscious.  

We did not consciously skip 2016 and made offers in 2016 but did not successfully purchase. 

It ultimately depends on your goal - if you would like to be more aggressive, you could pick up a rehab property in a low cap city listed above, but be conscious that the appreciation experienced since the recession may not continue forever, so I'd recommend being quick with your hold time.   

I believe the net effect is to raise the overall level of consciousness of those who choose to see, hear, think, absorb, and act.

Also, applicants in that price range and for that type of property (2/1) are often very price conscious. 

When I get them I usually try to consciously focus on my other residents and projects and give the high maintenance residents minimal time and service.

@William SaintAmour Yeah that's what I'm trying to be conscious of.