Since shifting my career to construction, I find often subs abide by the same time management principles.

Technically, yes, but we all know it Will happen.Appreciation over time has always occurred, so branding it speculation is inappropriate.Speculation in my opinion, is the purchase of an investment with a short term expectation of gain from appreciation.That said, Rich's comment that appreciation and tax deductions are miles ahead of cash flow and principle reduction stems from the actual amounts generated.

The "principle" amount was $20,000 (which he paid immediately), and the penalties and interest were $18,000.

Then in 5 years you finally pay enough on principle to equal what you paid for closing cost :D

Never liquidate your 401k early unless it's an absolute emergency or if you have a Roth and you're only taking out the principle (no penalty since you already paid taxes on that).

With some of the fundamental principles of personal finance being save more money & find ways to reduce spending, house-hacking meets both of those principles and will help boost them. 

Continuing to live by simple principles like buy low and sell high, I am 35 now with 400k and I keep my capital growing through flips.

The property basically broke even at a cashflow level, but with 25 year amortized loan, I was paying down principle each month. 

It's really pretty simple...it's called principles of sound financial practices. 

Guessing, I'd say you aren't the principle engineer but a working partner or hired help.It's cool for kids to show up for work in a professional position with jeans, but not to attract those who control the money, they usually are not 35 years old, they are 50+ which means they expect a different manner dress and act appropriately.