Also, I think that I am willing to work harder, sacrifice more now for more later, and am smarter than the overwhelming majority of people in general and absolutely more than socialists... so, it is in my self interest to have a competitive environment that best rewards my competence and sacrifice.Secondly, I wanted to address a very ambitious comment you made: "I think the coast and the Big Cities should just have enough housing stock to accommodate everyone who wants to be there at a reasonable price."

Even with additional margin that risk isn't always worth the reward.   

All done the rewards are oh so sweet when you have a new asset with that new tenant smell still permeating the club house and your maintenance man is soundly asleep in the corner with the Maytag man!

That said, the paperwork, accounting and legal aspects were onerous -- including annual business appraisals and lots of annual paperwork -- and for me, the risk and effort outweighed the reward. 

It's a lively place with some charm and a good location for me - close to the commuter rail and a good midpoint point between work and family in Maine. 

It can be a lot of work, but it is also rewarding and has many benefits.

Also airlines today the miles rewards are not what they used to be.. unless you take some really bad timed flights etc.. but pretty much one way these days is 20k miles  in coach .. and not a premium seat so back of the plane.. 

Worked like a charm, within one episode she was talking about how much she thinks she would enjoy rehabbing properties.

I think if you are patient you will be rewarded.  

We are rewarded in the marketplace by being efficient, innovative, and meeting needs.