I would have gotten more involved years ago with outside activities, such as biking, hiking and camping, and especially dog sports, agility, mushing and bikejoring, and perhaps been competitive on a local or fun level.

He's on a level we're not even accustomed to.

But I have to agree with Mike, Ryan and john, Start small or, well, Start at what your comfortable with... something at a level that's not going to change how you function day to day.

Will,I think the answer depends on what skills and experience the newbie has.

In other areas, supply and demand haw lowered the price to the levels you've seen; such as $7,000 for a house.

It was luck, not skill

Finally after almost a year of searching we came across the upper level of a house with affordable rent (which allows us to save), spacious and comfortable; very challenging to find in Edmonton.

Look at it from the roofer's perspective, there are many crooks and wanabie investors looking to take advantage of him as well.I would use the third party idead for each of your protection and comfort levels just to be safe.

It's in a central area of the city, close to downtown, with bus access a block away, close to all levels of school.

The problem is very simple - we've spent too much (on every level) to support an unearned standard of living for decades.