Single mom with two kids, 1 has a slight mental disability.

It takes a long time to get rid of that mentality, even after years of getting a degree and then a crappy job.I think the government plays a huge role in this bubble with their "cheap" loans.  

Thus, there is a herd mentality of driving prices to levels that don't make sense.

Investing in multi-units is what im mentally invested in but Im open minded to all investment types of strategies. 

I want to apply this same kind of drive and mentality to real estate investing, as I wish to retire by 35 (or have the ability to).

Everything on a building has a finite life and will need to be replaced some day.I also have to complement you on your mental toughness - most people would have given up long before and you kept pushing for solutions and ultimatley were able to break even!

Losses have to be an expectation and then you are mentally prepared to deal with them. 

I know its high stress, but less back breaking work and more of a mental grind which appeals to me more.

Finally, this mentality is everywhere with people who want services for free.

That is truly a great mentality to have, knowing that hey this can work if both of us work together to achieve a win-win solution for all!