Our Ins Broker (who we have sent a LOT of referrals to) occasionally sends us a $15 gift card for a pizza or donuts???

It’s casual and allows me to hold my “safety/weapon” in my hand at all times which buys me the two seconds I’d have to reach in pocket for some type of pepper spray/firearm etcI’ve never had to utilize it except an occasional sip or two myself 😆.

Occasionally you might hit a big payoff buying scratchers but odds are you won't win anything but lose money.

I am 45 years old so already considered a senior runner for age...lol  You do see a huge difference in your body from your 20's and 30's to your 40's.20's to 30's I noticed a slight difference occasionally but negligible.

Although I haven't used my license for any customer transactions in quite a few years, I decided to keep my license active, (while also working a full-time job for quick cash and medical benefits) for numerous reasons:a) MLS Accessb) Access to NJAR, which provides me with all current documents: Lease applications, Residential Leases, Lead paint docs, etc.c) If anyone wants to rent from me, they pay me a commissiond) If I buy or sell, I get a commissione) If an occasional Listing should fall in my lap, I get a commissionf) the free educational courses, Lunch and Learn seminars, etc. are invaluable, andg) I worked way too hard to get that license!

They have both been invaluable to me in different ways, which I think about in context of the E-Myth's paradigm of working "In" your business vs. working "On" your business.The REI mentor started out as an informal/unpaid relationship where I would occasionally ask him a few questions (I tried to be respectful of his time and not overwhelm him).  

Sure you'll have the occasional rotten egg, but most of the time you won't. 

So far I'm reading books, attending seminars, REI clubs, going to the occasional open house and learning from Biggerpockets material like webinars, podcasts, forums, and blog posts.1)  What else could I be doing aside from learning, networking and saving money?

Step back take a deep breath & appreciate that once on BP you are immersed in a new tough love "family", complete with the occasional crazy uncle (posters).Good luck & never look back!!!

@Mike Fletcher There's the occasional fixer but those sell with multiple offers.