I cannot argue with your success but I have had trouble overcoming this mental block while considering properties which have rents so much higher than mortgage.  

There are 6 duplexes (12 doors) on the same block for sale in a package the seller won't split.

All within the same block. 

I tried to assemble the block 4 years ago.

It's more towards the quieter part away from the city center but still, only a few blocks from the student center, one of the student theaters, the library, university post office, and two small student residental buildings. 

The boat (which is not covered) is at the far back of the driveway but since the yard is so small and driveway so narrow, the boat and trailer basically blocks access to the back yard - I have to step over the hitch on the trailer to squeeze by to get into the back yard.

Road or no road, if the right of way exists, you have legal access to use it and he cannot block you rebuilding the road.

On the back I was thinking of adding stucco to the block walls then painting. 

Purchase price: $1,000,000 Cash invested: $250,000 Luxury 2nd-floor apartment in Northeast DC, 2 blocks from metro.

Literally one block from campus.