*From people who invested before 2008 and after* what were your investments/strategies that remained strong during the recession or kept you afloat?

This ties up any loose ends and allows us both to move on. 

@Jacob Kline, i do not use carrot, but it would be the same idea. my guess is the better branded the site the higher the conversion. as in people are more likely to fill out the lead form on something like iwanttobuyyourhomenow.com compared to abcdefg.com. we have our leads tied to Podio, this along with some other tools, automatically sends out texts, automated calls and emails.

Younger residents have tended to leave these areas in recent decades, in many cases pursuing better job opportunities elsewhere, leaving older generations to make up a larger share of those who remain.1) What exactly is the author saying about those metros?

If they are not sold, then when all assets have been liquidated the trustee will abandon any remaining property to the debtor (the taxpayer) as having not enough value for the trustee to pursue.

It's so closely tied to my values and purpose. 

Is it an option for you to put down the remaining 3%, so you can remove the PMI from your monthly expenses? 

Maybe you can find ways in the early stage to dovetail the two, as an example, learning about credit scores and debt while aggressively paying down actual debt and manipulating you credit factors to increase your score. another example, mind an investor who need help in your area, work for free to learn stuff and ask instead for a tiny slice of a deal, learn and build your future at the same tie. it's a life long pursuit!

You don't get the depreciation , the return is minimal 4-6 % , still better than banks , but the money is tied up for years ,  you can't leverage it or refinance for another deal whenever you need .

Make an offer - tie up the deal first, then do your due diligence after you have the deal under contract.