They boost your ego.

We are pretty much planning on a complete overhaul on the interior including kitchens and bathrooms along with a new roof (not anticipated) and windows to improve energy efficiency.

I too am in need of refocusing my energies.

I am looking to put my extra time and energy towards real estate.

You will need reviews on your profile page to boost buyer confidence in your ability.

@Michael BoyerThanks for the confidence boost Michael!

(You can even get an Energy Star one)..

Different reason, same story, as what will happen eventually in the Bay.Non-permanent, localized real estate stimulus from a booming industry:Yours: Oil/Energy/Resources (I assume)Bay: Tech/Foreign MoneyIt can't go on forever.And yours is already experiencing the decline in the real economy.

http://www.ocregister.com/lansner/rent-687937-percent-reis.html“Axiometrics and Real Answers both reported that Orange County rent hikes averaged nearly 7 percent a year this past spring, boosted by rising employment and a continued economic recovery.Vacancy rates also remain low, ranging across the three surveys from 2.8 percent to 5.1 percent.Real estate agents reported seeing bidding wars among renters this year.

You need to pick a niche and a market and focus all your energies there.