There are lots of quantitative metrics ("mainstream" as you say) to observe here (P/E for the S&P - see chart below, margin levels, ratio of total market cap to GDP, etc), & anyone with access to google can see the same numbers.

Totally not crazy.

I had gotten 5 leads in total from these strategies but no deal.

So if you want to count my total time to include education (which I looked at properties every day but didn't offer) then it took me  6 months before I purchased my first investment property. 

Total was $4177, $ 850 below my budget.Closing was changed till next week.

But once you buy it you are totally broke.”

If the tenant wants to make additional income by doing so, they can, when their lease expires, purchase their own property and begin renting out rooms.Gail I totally respect that!

We actually borrowed $40,000 of this 74,814 with the building)TOTAL $255,000So...Now we need to know what WE put in for money.

@Dan MarshallWell, I'll assume you mean your "Total Monthly Payment" is $1,830 and their are no other additional fees. 

But I actually think it's good to have people on the podcast occasionally that don't focus totally on real estate to show a different perspective and strategy .